Light R W
Med Clin North Am. 1977 Nov;61(6):1339-52. doi: 10.1016/s0025-7125(16)31265-2.
Many different conditions result in the accumulation of pleural fluid. A diagnostic thoracentesis should be performed on all patients with pleural effusion from whom pleural fluid can be easily obtained. Empirically we have found that when the pleural effusion is more than 10 mm thick on the lateral decubitus roentgenogram, pleural fluid is easily obtained. At least 30 cc fluid should be obtained and distributed to the various laboratories as outlined in Table 2. The results of these tests will show whether the fluid is a transudate or an exudate. If the fluid is a transudate, no further diagnostic procedures need be directed towards the pleura. If the fluid is an exudate, the diagnosis will frequently be made by these original tests and therapy for the pleural disease can be instituted. If the diagnosis has not been made, the results of these tests should lead to a rational diagnostic attack.
许多不同的病症都会导致胸腔积液的积聚。对于所有能轻易获取胸腔积液的胸腔积液患者，都应进行诊断性胸腔穿刺术。根据经验我们发现，当侧卧位X线胸片显示胸腔积液厚度超过10毫米时，很容易获取胸腔积液。应获取至少30毫升的积液，并按照表2所述分发给各个实验室。这些检查结果将显示积液是漏出液还是渗出液。如果积液是漏出液，则无需针对胸膜进行进一步的诊断程序。如果积液是渗出液，通过这些初始检查常常可以做出诊断，并且可以开始针对胸膜疾病的治疗。如果尚未做出诊断，这些检查结果应能引导进行合理的诊断。
