Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy
<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Non-malignant pleural effusions (NMPEs) are the most frequently encountered pleural disease. They arise from various non-malignant, non-infectious clinical conditions, including cardiac, renal, and hepatic organ dysfunction. Despite their wide prevalence...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| author | William C. Harding Abdul R. Halawa Mazen M. Aiche Bilal Zafar Hyeon-Ju R. Ali Lara Bashoura Saadia A. Faiz |
| author_facet | William C. Harding Abdul R. Halawa Mazen M. Aiche Bilal Zafar Hyeon-Ju R. Ali Lara Bashoura Saadia A. Faiz |
| author_sort | William C. Harding |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <i>Background and Objectives</i>: Non-malignant pleural effusions (NMPEs) are the most frequently encountered pleural disease. They arise from various non-malignant, non-infectious clinical conditions, including cardiac, renal, and hepatic organ dysfunction. Despite their wide prevalence, there is a lack of literature for NMPE. This publication aims to provide an updated overview of the causes, diagnostic strategies, and management options for NMPE. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: This review synthesizes findings from studies published on NMPE, focusing on the presentation, diagnosis (such as imaging and pleural fluid analysis), and management strategies. Studies were selected based on relevance and were analyzed to provide a comprehensive summary of current practices. <i>Results</i>: The review highlights different etiologies of NMPE, including organ-specific factors. Imaging, pleural fluid analysis, and clinical correlation remain crucial in diagnosing the etiology of NMPE. Treatment strategies are largely dependent on the underlying condition. Medical management remains the mainstay for many causes. In some cases, interventions, such as thoracentesis, tunneled indwelling pleural catheter, or pleurodesis, are necessary. <i>Conclusions</i>: NMPE is a heterogeneous condition with a wide prevalence and significant implications. They present a diagnostic and management challenge due to patient complexity and evolving therapeutic options. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2a6a0cae426644f5ae8c6e4c04fbcd36 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Medicina |
| spelling | doaj-art-2a6a0cae426644f5ae8c6e4c04fbcd362025-08-20T03:43:22ZengMDPI AGMedicina1010-660X1648-91442025-03-0161344310.3390/medicina61030443Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and MalignancyWilliam C. Harding0Abdul R. Halawa1Mazen M. Aiche2Bilal Zafar3Hyeon-Ju R. Ali4Lara Bashoura5Saadia A. Faiz6Divisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX 77030, USADivisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX 77030, USADivisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX 77030, USADivisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX 77030, USADepartment of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USAUnit 1462, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 301402, Houston, TX 77030, USAUnit 1462, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 301402, Houston, TX 77030, USA<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Non-malignant pleural effusions (NMPEs) are the most frequently encountered pleural disease. They arise from various non-malignant, non-infectious clinical conditions, including cardiac, renal, and hepatic organ dysfunction. Despite their wide prevalence, there is a lack of literature for NMPE. This publication aims to provide an updated overview of the causes, diagnostic strategies, and management options for NMPE. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: This review synthesizes findings from studies published on NMPE, focusing on the presentation, diagnosis (such as imaging and pleural fluid analysis), and management strategies. Studies were selected based on relevance and were analyzed to provide a comprehensive summary of current practices. <i>Results</i>: The review highlights different etiologies of NMPE, including organ-specific factors. Imaging, pleural fluid analysis, and clinical correlation remain crucial in diagnosing the etiology of NMPE. Treatment strategies are largely dependent on the underlying condition. Medical management remains the mainstay for many causes. In some cases, interventions, such as thoracentesis, tunneled indwelling pleural catheter, or pleurodesis, are necessary. <i>Conclusions</i>: NMPE is a heterogeneous condition with a wide prevalence and significant implications. They present a diagnostic and management challenge due to patient complexity and evolving therapeutic options.https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/3/443pleural effusiontransudatenon-malignant pleural effusionhepatic hydrothoraxheart failureindwelling pleural catheter |
| spellingShingle | William C. Harding Abdul R. Halawa Mazen M. Aiche Bilal Zafar Hyeon-Ju R. Ali Lara Bashoura Saadia A. Faiz Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy Medicina pleural effusion transudate non-malignant pleural effusion hepatic hydrothorax heart failure indwelling pleural catheter |
| title | Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy |
| title_full | Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy |
| title_fullStr | Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy |
| title_full_unstemmed | Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy |
| title_short | Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy |
| title_sort | pleural effusion shedding light on pleural disease beyond infection and malignancy |
| topic | pleural effusion transudate non-malignant pleural effusion hepatic hydrothorax heart failure indwelling pleural catheter |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/3/443 |
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