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Clinical features

Authoring team

Presentation of pleural effusion differs according to size of the effusion, the rate of fluid accumulation, comorbidities, and underlying respiratory reserve.
Symptoms:

  • may be asymptomatic
  • dyspnoea - dependent on size of effusion
  • dull chest pain
  • cough (non productive) (1)

Signs:

  • there may be a displacement of the trachea and the lung apex away from the effusion if it is very large
  • there is reduced movement of the affected side
  • the site of the pleural effusion is dull to percussion; classical stony dullness is not a constant sign
  • there is reduced vocal fremitus over a pleural effusion
  • breath sounds are reduced or absent over a pleural effusion
  • towards the upper part of an effusion there may be signs of consolidation i.e. bronchial breathing and bleating vocal resonance - aegophony
  • the presence of Grocco's triangle is considered to be pathognomonic

Reference:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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