Approach to acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial pneumonia with a median survival of 3 years after diagnosis. Acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) is now identified as a life-threatening complication. It presents as worsening dyspnea with new ground glass opacities superimposed upon a radiographic usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern.

Evidence-based review of the management of hepatic hydrothorax.

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is an example of a porous diaphragm syndrome. Portal hypertension results in the formation of ascitic fluid which moves across defects in the diaphragm and accumulates in the pleural space. Consequently, the treatment approach to HH consists of measures to reduce the formation of ascitic fluid, prevent the movement of ascitic fluid across the diaphragm, and drain or obliterate the pleural space.

Management of infectious processes of the pleural space: a review.

Pleural effusions can present in 40% of patients with pneumonia. Presence of an effusion can complicate the diagnosis as well as the management of infection in lungs and pleural space. There has been an increase in the morbidity and mortality associated with parapneumonic effusions and empyema.