Presentation
Shortness of breath.
Patient Data
Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/35709/annotated_viewer_json?_c=1707697600\u0026lang=gb"}
Veiling opacity in the right hemithorax, most in keeping with a pleural effusion.
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/35714/annotated_viewer_json?_c=1707697600\u0026lang=gb"}
Erect projection confirms the presence of a moderate-large pleural effusion. There is also a smaller left sided pleural effusion.
Case Discussion
On supine projections, pleural effusions produce a "veiling opacity", which is due to pleural fluid preferentially collecting posteroinferiorly in the pleural space. On erect films, pleural effusions are a basal opacity with a meniscus.