What causes pneumohydrothorax (air and fluid accumulation) in the left pleural cavity?
Disease description:
During a chest X-ray examination, fluid and air accumulation in the left pleural cavity was found. What could be the cause of this condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Left-sided pleural effusion and pneumothorax may be caused by tuberculous pleuritis. Tuberculous pleuritis increases capillary permeability, leading to left-sided pleural effusion and pneumothorax. When heart failure is present, it can also elevate hydrostatic pressure in the pleural capillaries, resulting in left-sided pleural effusion and pneumothorax. If a malignant tumor occurs in the chest, it may obstruct lymphatic drainage of the pleural wall, causing left-sided pleural effusion and pneumothorax.
