Why pleural effusion is more common on right side in cardiac failure ?

We know pleural effusion (hydrothorax) is disproportionately more common on right side in cardiac failure.Though its a well observed phenomenon, the mechanism of which  has not been clear to us. It could be due to multiple  anatomical , physiological factors.   *The are  right and left lymphatic (Thoracic) ducts that drain the corresponding lungs and pleural space . There can be overlap and contribute to the differential occurrence of pleural effusion   Reference  A meticulous paper written some 75 years ago (1946) from Harvard medical school teach us some important points in this phenomenon. There is still lot, to be understood about pleural effusion in cardiac failure. We need to know why some pleural effusions tend to occur independent of hydrostatic forces.  It is also noted long-standing transudative effusions can become true exudates. Role of local pleural capillary hypoxia resulting increasing permeability is underestimated.Hepatic congestion and trans-abdominal seepage of fluid is a distinct possibility. One more area we are not clear is  the relationship  between the  genesis of  pericardial effusion in cardiac failure and concomitant pleural effusion. Post operatively , after univentricular repair (as in Fontan ), pleural effusions can be much problematic with high venous pressure interfering with  pleural drainage. Impact on symptoms Finally, even mild pleural effusion can increase the work of breathing and result in dyspnea which is out of...
Source: Dr.S.Venkatesan MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: cardaic physiology cardiac physiology Cardiology Patho physiology Clinical cardiology Infrequently asked questions in cardiology (iFAQs) hydrothorax hydrothorax in cardiac failure pleural effusion in cardiac failure right vs left pleural e Source Type: blogs