Textbook of Pleural Diseases

This international and authoritative treatise discusses all aspects of pleural disease, with experts from throughout the world providing contributions in their particular area of expertise. The book covers in depth what is known about basic science as it relates to pleural disease, including up-to-date chapters on anatomy, physiology, cytokines, mineral dust reactions, pharmacokinetics and experimental models of pleural disease, setting these subjects in context for the practising physician. The clinical chapters that follow have been written to a uniform structure covering definition, incidence and epidemiology, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical presentation, investigations, treatments, possible complications and directions for future development. General clinical issues are given comprehensive consideration, with chapters covering the recommended approach to patients with pleural effusions, radiologic studies of the pleura including ultrasound, CT and MRI, interventional radiologic techniques of the pleura, histology of the pleura and cytology and tumor markers. In later chapters, the authors discuss specific clinical problems such as parapneumonic effusions and malignant pleural effusions. Authors make reference to all published guidelines where available to ensure a sound evidence base, and each clinical chapter concludes with a summary highlighting practical 'take-home' messages regarding patient management for the reader and a list of annotated references providing directions for further reading and study. As the only entirely comprehensive and international reference in the field, covering all common and uncommon pleural conditions, Textbook of Pleural Diseases is an essential read for any respiratory physician with an interest in the area and an invaluable addition to the libraries of pulmonology departments worldwide. Book jacket.