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Can transudative pleural effusions lead to trapped lung?

In trapped lung, a fibrous peel over the visceral pleura restricts pleural expansion. Could transudative pleural effusions lead to this condition?
1 Answer
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Pulmonology · The Iowa Clinic Pc
Answered on

Yes. I’ve seen it many times especially in patients with longstanding CHF and/or CKD. With a persistent effusion of any type, the pleura can respond by forming a peel resulting in a non expanding lung.

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