Is there a common definition for massive pleurisy?

ABSTRACT

The concept of massive pleurisy (MP) is frequently used to emphasize the significance of the amount of pleural effusion. However, there are significant disagreements about it due to the lack of a universal definition for MP. In our study, we sought to elucidate these distinctions. We employed a questionnaire comprised of visual and true/false sections. In the visual section, participants were shown real-time lung radiographs and schematic drawings and asked which ones were MP. On the other hand, suggestions regarding diagnosis, treatment, and consultations for MP were questionnaired. The study was comprised of 150 physicians from four distinct centers. On true/false and radiograph questions, physicians from the same branch exhibited differences of up to 50% (p < 0.05). On the level question, each branch involved reached a consensus (p = 0.003). In questions 3, 4, and 5, which also contained a true-false section, the branches gave varying responses, with the exception of the opinion that tube thoracostomy is unquestionably indicated in MP (p < 0.05). Establishing a common language for MP is crucial for clinician collaboration and appropriate patient management. Our study elucidates the divergences of opinion between branches and highlights the need for a unified definition.