Infectious, traumatic, or neoplastic processes in the chest often result in fluid collections within the pleural, parenchymal, or mediastinal spaces. The same fundamental principles that guide drainages of the abdomen can be applied to the chest. This review discusses various pathologic conditions of the thorax that can result in the abnormal accumulation of fluid or air, and their management using image-guided methods.
Keywords: abscess; empyema; pleural effusion; pneumothorax; thoracentesis; thoracostomy.