Unknown pleural effusion

摘要

Almeida and Eiger report a man with asymptomatic sub-pulmonic effusion. However, without analysis of pleural fluid, the authors should not conclude that he had tran-sudate effusion. Absence of ascites in a drrhotic patient with pleural effusion warrants thoracentesis. There is a possibility that the effusion comes from hepatocellular carcinoma superimposed on cirrhosis. Cancer is the third most common cause of pleural effusion. Failure to search for a definite cause of effusion would lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer.Last but not least, that 'Significant amount of pleural fluid without congestive heart failure is an indication for thoracentesis' should be kept in mind.