The costomediastinal recess is the potential space in the pleural cavity between the costal pleura and mediastinal pleura at approximately the level of the fifth intercostal space on the left hand side.

How many Costomediastinal recesses are there?

There are two pleural recesses. The costodiaphragmatic recesses (also called costophrenic angles) are the larger of the recesses located between the costal and diaphragmatic pleura of right and left pleural cavities.

What is Costomediastinal reflection?

Behind the sternum and rib cartilages, where the anterior thin margin of the lung falls short of the line of pleural reflection, and where the slit-like cavity between the two layers of pleura forms what is called the costomediastinal recess (costomediastinal sinus).

What is the purpose of thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid or air from around the lungs. A needle is put through the chest wall into the pleural space. The pleural space is the thin gap between the pleura of the lung and of the inner chest wall. The pleura is a double layer of membranes that surrounds the lungs.

What is costodiaphragmatic recess?

The costodiaphragmatic recess, also called the costophrenic recess or phrenicocostal sinus, is the posterolateral fringe of the pleural space, a potential space around the lung inside the pleural cavity.

Why is the costodiaphragmatic recess important?

The costodiaphragmatic recess is the most clinically important, as most fluid collections pool here. The pleural cavity always maintains a negative pressure. During inspiration, its volume expands, and the intrapleural pressure drops.

Can COPD cause pleural effusion?

Conclusions: Pleural effusion is common among COPD patients admitted to a MICU. Most are due to CHF and parapneumonic effusions and respond well to treatment of the underlying problem.

What is a pleural recess?

Pleural Recesses

Located posteriorly and anteriorly are spaces where the pleural cavity is not totally filled by the lung parenchyma. This space is known as the recess – an area where the adjacent surfaces of the parietal pleura come into contact.

What level is the costodiaphragmatic recess?

At the mid-clavicular line, the costodiaphragmatic recess is between ribs 6 and 8; at the midaxillary line it is between 8 and 10; and at the paravertebral line it is between 10 and 12.

Can Hemothorax cause death?

In severe cases, hemothorax can cause the body to go into shock, which may be fatal.

What is lung apex?

The apex of the lung is located where the upper lobe begins, while the base of the lungs is by the diaphragm, where the costal surface borders our ribcage. Each lung is divided into separate units known as lobes, which are separated by fissures.

What is meant by pleural reflections?

The lines along which the parietal pleura changes direction as it passes from one wall of the pleural cavity to another are called the lines of pleural reflection. Because the lungs do not entirely fill the pleural spaces during expiration, the potential spaces thus created are called pleural recesses or sinuses.

Where does pleural fluid come from?

Pleural effusion occurs when fluid builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This can happen for many different reasons, including pneumonia or complications from heart, liver, or kidney disease. Another reason could be as a side effect from cancer.

What is the purpose of pleural fluid?

Pleural fluid is a liquid that is located between the layers of the pleura. The pleura is a two-layer membrane that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity. Pleural fluid keeps the pleura moist and reduces friction between the membranes when you breathe.

How much fluid is removed during thoracentesis?

The amount of fluid removed during thoracentesis varies. For instance, if thoracentesis is performed as a diagnostic procedure, then 20-100 mL of fluid may be removed. For therapeutic purposes, removing 400-500 mL of the pleural fluid is often sufficient to reduce shortness of breath.

Can thoracentesis cause death?

The short-term mortality in patients undergoing thoracentesis for pleural effusion is high, with over 20% of patients dying within 30- days.

Can fluid come back after thoracentesis?

Re-expansion pulmonary edema is an uncommon complication following drainage of a pneumothorax or pleural effusion. Clinical presentations include cough, chest discomfort and hypoxemia; if the edema is severe, shock and death may ensue. Symptoms are usually noted within 24 hours after thoracentesis.