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A pleural effusion will show up as an area of whiteness on a standard Chest X-ray; however it can be more accurately confirmed by an Ultrasound of the chest or even CT scan of the chest if required. Once a pleural effusion is diagnosed, the cause must be determined. Pleural fluid is drawn out of the pleural space in a process called thoracentesis. A needle is inserted through the back of the chest wall in the sixth, seventh, or eighth intercostal space on the midaxillary line, into the pleural space. The fluid may then be sent to lab for evaluation.
validated by: Dr Sanjeed Jain Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. |
