pulmonary disorders
Thoracentesis
Indications for Thoracentesis
Diagnostic thoracentesis: Diagnosis of a Pleural Effusion (in almost all patients) that is new or of uncertain etiology and is Diagnostic thoracentesis is usually not needed when the etiology of the pleural fluid is apparent (eg, viral pleuritis, typical heart failure). Therapeutic thoracentesis: Relief of symptoms in patients with dyspnea caused by a large pleural effusion 