Issues of differential diagnosis of pleural effusions

Prof. Shevchenko O.S., PHD Shevchenko R.S., PHD Todoriko L.D.*, PHD Pohorielova O.O

Kharkiv National medical University.

*Higher State Educational Establishment «Bukovinian State Medical University».

Pleural effusions are a frequent complication of various diseases. However, despite their prevalence, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of effusions remains a challenge. The presence of pleural effusion can be confirmed radiologically, as well as with CT and ultrasound. However, to prescribe the appropriate therapy, it is not enough simply to determine the presence of effusion — it is necessary to conduct differential diagnosis of transudate and exudate and determine the etiology of effusion. In this article, the features of complaints, anamnesis, X-ray picture, ultrasound and CT diagnostics, analysis of pleural fluid under various pathological conditions are systematized. Diagnostic biochemical markers, allowing to establish the etiology of effusion, are considered. Only an integrated approach and taking into account the markers of pathological processes will allow to correctly diagnose and prescribe the treatment timely.

Key Words: pleural effusion, diagnostics, biochemical markers.

https://dx.doi.org/10.15407/internalmed2019.01.013

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