Table of Contents:

Part 1:  Basic Science

Chapter 1.     Embryology and Gross Structure

Chapter 2.     Cells in the Pleural Cavity

Chapter 3.     Liquid and Protein Exchange

Chapter 4.     Physiological Effects of Pleural Air or Fluid

Chapter 5.     Pleural Inflammation

Chapter 6.     Cytokines in Pleural Diseases

Chapter 7.     Pleural Infections

Chapter 8.     Pleural Fibrosis

Chapter 9.     Pleural Reaction to Mineral Dust

Chapter 10.   Genetics of Malignant Mesothelioma

Chapter 11.   Pharmacokinetics

Chapter 12.   Experimental Models in Pleural Disease

Chapter 13.   Experimental Models of Mesothelioma

Part 2:  Clinical Science  

Chapter 14.   Approach to the Patient with a Pleural Effusion

Chapter 15.   Pleural Fluid Analysis

Chapter 16.   Diagnostic Radiology

Chapter 17.   Interventional Radiology

Chapter 18.   Pleural Histology

Chapter 19.   Pleural Cytology, Tumor Markers, and Immunohistochemistry

Chapter 20.   Effusions from Cardiac Diseases

Chapter 21.   Effusions from Vascular Causes

Chapter 22.   Effusions from Malignancy

Chapter 23.   Effusions from Parapneumonic Infection and Emphysema

Chapter 24.   Effusions from Tuberculosis

Chapter 25.   Effusions from Atypical Infections

Chapter 26.   Effusions in Immunocompromised Hosts

Chapter 27.   Effusions from Lymphatic Disruptions

Chapter 28.   Effusions from Collagen Vascular Disease

Chapter 29.   Effusions Due to Drugs

Chapter 30.   Effusions After Surgery

Chapter 31.   Hepatic Hydrothorax

Chapter 32.   Pleural Effusions Due to Gastrointestinal Disease

Chapter 33.   Pleural Effusions due to Obstetric and Gynecological Conditions

Chapter 34.   Benign Asbestos Pleural Diseases

Chapter 35.   Malignant Mesothelioma

Chapter 36.   Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Chapter 37.   Non-Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Chapter 38.   Pediatric Pleural Diseases

Chapter 39.   Drainage and Biopsy Techniques

Chapter 40.   Medical Thoracoscopy

Chapter 41.   Surgery of the Pleural Cavity

Chapter 42.   Gene Therapy in Pleural Diseases

Chapter 43.   Future Directions