Thoroughly updated for its Fourth Edition, Dr. Light's text provides a focused, single-authored perspective on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of pleural diseases. This edition presents new guidelines for the management of parapneumonic effusions and malignant pleural effusions--the two most difficult problems encountered in clinical practice. Coverage also includes current information on the use of markers for the diagnosis of pleural diseases, a field that has evolved significantly since the last edition. Three new chapters cover pleural diseases due to cardiovascular disorders, pleural disease following surgery, and pleural disease due to obstetric and gynecologic problems

Table of Contents

Anatomy of the Pleura Physiology of the Pleural Space Radiographic Examinations Clinical Manifestations and useful Tests Approach to the Patient Transudative Pleural Effusions Pleaural Effusions Related to Matastatic Malignancies Primary Tumors of the Pleura: Malignant Mesotheliomas, Solitary Fibrous Tumors, Body Cavity Lymphoma, and Pyothorax-Associated Lymphoma Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyema Tuberculous Pleural Effusions Pleural Effusion Secondary to Fungal Infections, Actinomycosis, and Nocardiosis Pleural Effusion Due to Parasitic Infection Pleural Effusion Due to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Other Viruses, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, and Rickettsiae Pleural Effusion Due to Pulmonary Embolization Pleural Effusion Secondary to Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract Pleural Effusion Secondary to Diseases of the Heart Pleuaral Disease in Obstetrics and Gynecology Pleural Disease Due to Collagen Vascular Diseases Pleural Effusion Due to Drug Reactions Pleural Effusion Due to Miscellaneous Diseases Pneumothorax Hemothorax Chylothorax and Pseudochylothorax Other Pleural Diseases Thoracentesis (Diagnostic and Therapeutic) and Pleural Biopsy Chest Tubes Thoracoscopy Index