Final answer:
Pleural effusion on a chest x-ray is an abnormal collection of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Common causes include infections, congestive heart failure, liver disease, cancer, and lung diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pleural effusion on a chest x-ray is typically seen as an abnormal collection of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall, known as the pleural space. This can appear as a hazy white area on the x-ray image. The presence of pleural effusion on a chest x-ray is an important finding as it can help diagnose various conditions such as infections, congestive heart failure, liver disease, cancer, and lung diseases.
Common causes of pleural effusion include infections such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, cancer (such as lung cancer or metastasis to the lungs), and lung diseases such as tuberculosis or pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms of pleural effusion may include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications, thoracentesis (the removal of the fluid using a needle), or surgical interventions.