Pleural Effusion

Investigation and management of fluid on the lung.

Reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP (General Practitioner)
Last reviewed: 21 October 2025
Respiratory

Clinical Guidelines

British Thoracic Society Guideline for pleural disease
National
British Thoracic Society Guideline for pleural disease
National
ERS/EACTS statement on the management of malignant pleural effusions
National
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines
National
ACP Clinical Guideline recommends appropriate use of point-of-care ultrasound for patients in ER and inpatient settings
Local
Appropriate Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography in Patients With Acute Dyspnea in Emergency Department or Inpatient Settings: A Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians
Local
British Thoracic Society Guideline for pleural disease
Local
British Thoracic Society Guideline for pleural disease
Local
EACTS expert consensus statement for surgical management of pleural empyema
Local
ERS statement on benign pleural effusions in adults
Local
Management of Malignant Pleural Effusions. An Official ATS/STS/STR Clinical Practice Guideline
Local
NCCP-ICS joint consensus-based clinical practice guidelines on medical thoracoscopy for undiagnosed pleural effusion
Local
Society of Interventional Radiology Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Nontunneled Chest Tube Placement for Pleural Effusion
Local
Workup of Pleural Effusion or Pleural Disease (ACR Appropriateness Criteria)
Local