Bilateral pleural effusion
Bilateral pleural effusions can be common in general radiology practice. The may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. they can occur from a number of varied etiologies although congestive heart failure (CHF), renal or liver failure generally considered common.
Recognized list of causes are many and include
- prior / recent cardiothoracic surgery
- coronary artery bypass grafting
- cardiovascular factors
- congestive cardiac failure
- fluid status
- malignancy
- sepsis
- renal failure
- abdominal surgery / pathology
- pericarditis
- hemothorax / trauma
- hypoalbuminemia
- tuberculosis
See also
