Pleurisy or pleuritis is inflammation of the membranes that surround the lungs and line the chest cavity (pleurae).
Figure A shows the location of the lungs, airways, pleura, and diaphragm (a muscle that helps you breathe). The inset image shows a detailed view of the two pleural layers and pleural space. Figure B shows lungs with pleurisy and pneumothorax. The inset image shows a detailed view of an infected lung with thickened and inflamed pleural layers. | National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29583160
Aetiology
Viral infection (M/C)
Pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, autoimmune disorders, lung cancer, following heart surgery, pancreatitis, chest trauma, and asbestosis
Idiopathic
Diagnosis
Investigations
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Blood tests
Arterial blood gas
Thoracentesis
The illustration shows a person undergoing thoracentesis. The person sits upright and leans on a table. Excess fluid from the pleural space is drained into a bag. | National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute – Thoracentesis, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5988160
Imaging
Chest X-ray
USG
CT scan
Lateral chest landmarks useful for radiology and chest films | By Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator – Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1496625
