Abstract
In healthy subjects, the pleural space, which is delimited by the visceral and parietal pleura, contains only a small amount of fluid, ranging from 10 to 20 ml [1]. This liquid usually originates from the capillaries of the parietal pleura and is drained by the lymphatics of the parietal pleura. However, in ill patients the fluid can originate from the visceral pleura or directly from the peritoneal cavity through the diaphragm. Basically, liquid accumulates every time there is an excess in liquid formation or a reduction in drainage. Medical or surgical patients are rarely admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for primary pleural disease; however, the pleura can be affected by various pulmonary or extrapulmonary conditions that promote the development of pleural effusions, which can affect the respiratory system [2].
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Chiumello, D., Berto, V., Gallazzi, E. (2010). The Effects of Pleural Effusion. In: Vincent, JL. (eds) Intensive Care Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5562-3_18
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5562-3_18
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