A pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid accumulates within the pleural space. As the fluid accumulates within the pleural space the underlying lung is compromised and may collapse as the volume of fluid increases. Once a pleural effusion has been diagnosed, fluid often will be aspirated to determine the cause, which can include infection, malignancy, cardiac failure, hepatic disease, and pulmonary embolism. A large pleural effusion needs to be drained to allow the collapsed part of the lung to reexpand and improve breathing (Fig. 3.41).