What does PLE mean in MEDICAL

Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, a potential space located between the lungs and inner chest wall.

Common causes of pleural effusion include infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis; cancers such as lung cancer or mesothelioma; heart failure; inflammatory conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; and trauma from accidents or surgeries.

Common symptoms associated with pleural effusions include difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), and fatigue. Other less common symptoms may include weight loss, appetite loss (anorexia) and sharp pains when inhaling deeply (pleurisy).

Diagnostic tests used in order to detect and diagnose a pleural effusion include X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound studies, thoracentesis procedure and invasive bronchoscopy procedure.

Treatment for a pleural effusion depends on its cause. If it's caused by infection or inflammation treatment typically involves antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. If it's due to cancer then surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be needed. In cases where there's cardiac failure diuretics are often used to reduce fluid build-up in the lungs.