Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion means abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity between the chest wall and lungs. Excess fluid presses the lung and can make breathing harder. The causes of a pleural effusion are varied. It can for example be caused by the heart’s decreased ability to pump blood, a lung infection, liver or kidney disease, or even some medications. The reason for a pleural effusion is not necessarily obvious from your scan.