Pleurální výpotek v intenzivní péči.

Pleural effusion (fluidothorax) is characterized by the presence of excessive amount of fluid in the pleural space caused by various pathological clinical conditions. Pleural effusion leads to increased morbidity and adversely affects the prognosis and clinical outcome of critically ill patients in the intensive care setting. Early recognition of pleural effusion and diagnosis of the causal factors belong to the standard components of its management in intensive care. Diagnosis is usually made by chest X-ray and computer tomography followed by pleural aspiration. Nowadays, chest ultrasonography has become an invaluable diagnostic tool. Moreover, it also plays an important role as a guide for invasive pleural procedures. Therapeutic management of pleural effusion is based on treatment of causal factors whenever possible, or on symptomatic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]