Anatomy of the PleuraPhysiology of the Pleural SpaceRadiographic ExaminationsClinical Manifestations and useful TestsApproach to the PatientTransudative Pleural EffusionsPleaural Effusions Related to Matastatic MalignanciesPrimary Tumors of the Pleura: Malignant Mesotheliomas, Solitary Fibrous Tumors, Body Cavity Lymphoma, and Pyothorax-Associated LymphomaParapneumonic Effusions and EmpyemaTuberculous Pleural EffusionsPleural Effusion Secondary to Fungal Infections, Actinomycosis, and NocardiosisPleural Effusion Due to Parasitic InfectionPleural Effusion Due to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Other Viruses, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, and RickettsiaePleural Effusion Due to Pulmonary EmbolizationPleural Effusion Secondary to Diseases of the Gastrointestinal TractPleural Effusion Secondary to Diseases of the HeartPleuaral Disease in Obstetrics and GynecologyPleural Disease Due to Collagen Vascular DiseasesPleural Effusion Due to Drug ReactionsPleural Effusion Due to Miscellaneous DiseasesPneumothoraxHemothoraxChylothorax and PseudochylothoraxOther Pleural DiseasesThoracentesis (Diagnostic and Therapeutic) and Pleural BiopsyChest TubesThoracoscopyIndex.