Pleural Studies Consistent in Medicine / Internal Medicine — 63yo Man | Respiratory / Pulmonology | SMLE Q#17662
SMLE Question #17662
Medicine / Internal Medicine
Respiratory / Pulmonology
Objective: OBJ-RESP-PLEURAL-001
Last updated: February 2026
A 63-year-old man has 1 week of progressive dyspnea and mild orthopnea. Examination shows decreased breath sounds and dullness to percussion over the right lower lung field. Chest radiograph shows a moderate right pleural effusion. Diagnostic thoracentesis yields clear fluid with pleural studies consistent with a transudate. What is the most likely cause of this pleural effusion?
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