Pleural infection and malignancy
Pleural infection transitions from simple parapneumonic effusion, to complex parapneumonic effusion, to empyema. Primary empyema occurs without an underlying pneumonic process. Pleural infection commonly presents identically to pneumonia with dyspnoea, purulent sputum, and fevers. It may be associated with pleuritic chest pain. Empyema can cause systemic sepsis, leading to cardiovascular instability and multi-organ failure. A malignant pleural effusion arises when malignant cells infiltrate the pleura, resulting in increased production and decreased lymphatic drainage of pleural fluid. Malignant pleural effusions are either metastatic or primary mesothelioma. This chapter discusses pleural infection, malignant pleural effusion, and mesothelioma, focusing on etiology, symptoms, demographics, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.