Page 9 - Pleural Effusion

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CikguOnline

Pathophysiology

• The function of pleural fluid is to provide a less frictional surface between the 2

pleura in changes in lung volume during respiration.

• The following mechanisms play a role in the formation of pleural effusion:

1. Disorders in the permeability of the pleural membrane (eg, inflammatory

process, neoplastic disease, pulmonary embolus)

2. Reduction in intravascular oncotic pressure (eg, hypoalbuminemia, hepatic

cirrhosis)