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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Meaning Of Effusion At The Top Of The Lung?

My Sister has just had a chest x ray because she had what was thought to be a viral infection she has lost lots of weight again and no appetite now been sent for MRI contrast scan what will this mean Doctors said there was some effusion at the top of her lung can you help what does this mean
Fri, 10 Apr 2015
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Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
In my opinion, your sister is having severe pneumonia in the upper lobe.
Pneumonia can cause accumulation of fluid and it is known as pleural effusion.
She has lost weight, this favours possibility of chronic lung infection like tuberculosis or fungal infection.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done sputum examination for AFB (TB bacilli) to rule out tuberculosis.
If sputum is not available then bronchoscopy should be done for the diagnosis.
She may need anti tb treatment for at least 6 months.
So consult pulmonologist, first diagnose herself and then start appropriate treatment.
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What Is The Meaning Of Effusion At The Top Of The Lung?

Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. In my opinion, your sister is having severe pneumonia in the upper lobe. Pneumonia can cause accumulation of fluid and it is known as pleural effusion. She has lost weight, this favours possibility of chronic lung infection like tuberculosis or fungal infection. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done sputum examination for AFB (TB bacilli) to rule out tuberculosis. If sputum is not available then bronchoscopy should be done for the diagnosis. She may need anti tb treatment for at least 6 months. So consult pulmonologist, first diagnose herself and then start appropriate treatment.