Correct!
4. The presence of pleural thickening predicts the presence of an exudative effusion
The presence of pleural thickening has been associated with the presence of an exudative pleural effusion. The lack of pleural thickening, however, may be seen with either a transudative or exudative etiology for pleural effusion. Furthermore, the presence of pleural thickening does not guarantee an exudative pleural effusion is present; a transudative pleural effusion remains possible [as an example consider the possibility of a patient with preexisting pleural thickening who develops heart failure]. While the detection and characterization of pleural thickening is facilitated by the use of intravenous contrast material injection, contrast injection is not required for the assessment of pleural thickening. In other words, when the pleura enhances, it is thickened, but thickened pleura need not enhance and pleural thickening may be detected without the use of intravenous contrast injection.
Based on the information thus far, which of the following is the most appropriate course of action? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the sixth of seventeen pages)