Effuusioihin

Effuusioihin is the illative plural form of the Finnish noun effuusio (effusion). In medical Finnish texts it is used to refer to effusions in general or to processes involving the accumulation of fluid into effusions, for example when multiple sites are affected such as pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial spaces.

Effuusio refers to abnormal fluid accumulation in a body cavity or tissue. Common sites include the pleural space (pleural effusion), the peritoneal cavity (ascites is a form of peritoneal effusion), the pericardial sac (pericardial effusion), and, less commonly, within joints (synovial effusion). Causes are broadly categorized as transudates and exudates. Transudates result from systemic factors that increase hydrostatic pressure or decrease oncotic pressure (e.g., heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome). Exudates arise from inflammation, infection, malignancy, or autoimmune disease.

Clinical features depend on site and size. Pleural effusions may cause dyspnea; ascites causes abdominal distension; pericardial effusion can affect cardiac function; synovial effusion causes joint swelling. Diagnosis relies on imaging (ultrasound, chest X-ray, CT) and sampling of the fluid. For pleural effusions, fluid is analyzed; Light's criteria help distinguish exudates from transudates. Pericardial and synovial effusions are assessed by echocardiography and joint aspiration, respectively.

Management targets the underlying cause and relief of symptoms. Small or asymptomatic effusions may be observed; symptomatic effusions are typically drained (thoracentesis, paracentesis, pericardiocentesis). Recurrent effusions may require procedures such as pleurodesis or indwelling catheters. The prognosis depends on the underlying disease.