M Elizabeth Wilcox et al.
JAMA, 311(23), 2422-2431 (2014-06-19)
Thoracentesis is performed to identify the cause of a pleural effusion. Although generally safe, thoracentesis may be complicated by transient hypoxemia, bleeding, patient discomfort, reexpansion pulmonary edema, and pneumothorax. To identify the best means for differentiating between transudative and exudative