Why Loculated Pleural Effusion?

Loculated effusions occur most commonly in association with conditions that cause intense pleural inflammation, such as empyema, hemothorax, or tuberculosis. Occasionally, a focal intrafissural fluid collection may look like a lung mass. This situation most commonly is seen in patients with heart failure.

What does a loculated pleural effusion mean?

Fibrotic scar tissue may develop, creating pockets of fluid in the pleural cavity, preventing effective drainage of the fluid. This condition is designated as a Loculated Pleural Effusion (LPE) and leads to pain and shortness of breath, as the lungs are not able to properly expand.

What causes Loculations?

Pleural fluid loculations develop secondary to the presence of visceral-to-paraietal adhesions that prevent fluid from falling to the dependent portion of the pleural cavity. Loculations can develop along any portion of the pleural cavity.