Can pleural thickening go away?
Apr 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Pleural thickening usually does not resolve. It generally refers to fibrosis caused by fibrin deposition and granulation tissue proliferation, resulting in increased pleural thickness. It commonly occurs as a consequence of prior exudative pleuritis or pleural effusion. Patients may experience mild chest tightness; some may also have symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Effective treatment can help prevent further pleural thickening.
Generally, pleural thickening cannot disappear and is considered an irreversible condition. The specific analysis is as follows:
Pleural thickening usually refers to fibrosis caused by fibrin deposition and granulation tissue proliferation, resulting in increased pleural thickness. It commonly occurs after exudative pleuritis or a history of pleural effusion, representing the outcome during the healing process. Patients may experience mild chest tightness, with symptoms gradually diminishing or resolving over time, typically without requiring special treatment. However, in more severe cases of pleural thickening, symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath may occur. Effective treatments can help prevent further pleural thickening, but existing thickening generally does not resolve.
For patients with severe pleural thickening, surgical interventions such as pleurectomy, thoracentesis, or chest tube drainage may be performed to restore respiratory function.
