Pleural Effusion

            Fig 1, Fig 2

Pleural effusion is one of the most common chest abnormalities; the most common cause of pleural effusion is hydrops fetalis secondary to various causes whereas it is due to isolated chylothorax in the minority of cases

  • Isolated primary chylothorax
  • Hydrops fetalis secondary to various causes
  • Chromosomal abnormalities, especially 45,XO, trisomy 21
  • Effusion associated mass, especially diaphragmatic hernia.

Fig 1:  Chylothorax  Oblique sagittal view of the fetus 21 weeks: pleural effusion (*)

Fig 2:  Pleural effusion  Cross-sectional scan of thorax: pleural effusion (*) in the left thorax with cardiac displacement to the right

Video clips of pleural effusion

Chylothorax:  Four-chamber view: marked pleural effusion (*) and subcutaneous edema (arrowhead), normal cardiac size

Hydrops fetalis:  Four-chamber view: marked pleural effusion (solid circle), normal cardiac size (*), subcutaneous edema (arrow) (arrowhead = spine)

Cardiomegaly / Pleural effusion:  Four-chamber view: markedly enlarged, occupying nearly total thoracic area, pleural effusion (arrow) (* = left atrium, arrowhead = spine)