what does pleural mean
Causes of Pleural Effusions. The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the surface of the lungs and the inside of the chest wall outside the lungs. In pleural effusions, fluid accumulates in the space between the layers of pleura.leural effusions often cause no symptoms. Symptoms are more likely when a pleural effusion is moderate or large-sized, or if inflammation is present. Symptoms of pleural effusions may include: 1  Shortness of breath. 2  Chest pain, especially on breathing in deeply (pleurisy, or pleuritic pain). 3  Fever.