Pleural disease (excluding malignancy)

Pleural disease is a common medical problem frequently encountered by both respiratory specialists and general physicians. A systematic approach to the patient with a pleural effusion or pneumothorax may avoid unnecessary investigations and reduce patient morbidity. This review focuses on the clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with non-malignant pleural disease and provides some practical suggestions for the practising clinician. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved