PLEURAL DISEASE IN PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is associated with pleural abnormalities that may occur as a direct consequence of pregnancy or as a pregnancy-induced exacerbatio n of an underlying disease. Multiple reports suggest that benign pleur al effusions occur in a variable number of patients after labor and de livery. Other pleural abnormalities directly related to pregnancy incl ude chylothorax, hemothorax, urinothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneum othorax, Conditions associated with pleural effusions or pneumothorace s that can be exacerbated by pregnancy include lymphangiomyomatosis, s ystemic lupus erythematosus, neurofibromatosis, and hereditary hemorrh agic telangiectasia. In caring for pregnant patients with evidence of pleural abnormalities, clinicians must discriminate between benign con sequences of pregnancy and serious pleuropulmonary disorders. An accur ate and prompt diagnosis is required to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being.