Presentation
The patient came to the ER with progressive shortness of breath
Patient Data
This chest X-ray (CXR) shows the following key findings:
Pleural effusion:
There is dense homogeneous increased opacity in the right lower hemithorax obscuring the right diaphragm and right heart border with corresponding passive atelectasis and no mediastinal shift.
The meniscus sign (curved upper margin of fluid) is clearly visible, and the overall appearance supports the presence of fluid accumulation.
Other notable findings:
the right upper lung and left lung are clear
the left cardiac silhouette is normal
otherwise normal appearances, no pneumothorax or bone lesions
Case Discussion
The patient came to the ER with progressive shortness of breath. She had decreased breath sounds over the right side on auscultation, and right-sided dullness on percussion.
X-ray showed a pleural collection. Thoracocentesis with pleural fluid analysis showed exudative fluid, which suggests increase in the microcirculation permeability or alteration in lymphatic drainage of the pleural space. Common causes of unilateral collection are malignancy, infection and connective tissue disease.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.