Aproximación al diagnóstico del derrame pleural

The pleural effusion (PE) is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. Usually associated with pleural disease itself or pulmonary or systemic origin. Approximately 4-10% of pulmonology diseases presenting with pleural effusion and its etiology can be very diverse. Clinical suspicion by the analysis of the fluid obtained by thoracentesis and/or pleural biopsy provided a definitive diagnosis in 75-80% of cases, and is useful as an exclusionary diagnosis in the remaining cases.