Effusion
An effusion means excess fluid has collected in a body space, such as around the lung, heart, or in a joint.
When to get help quickly: Urgency depends on the location and symptoms. An effusion around the lungs or heart, or a very painful swollen joint, can need faster medical review.
Common symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the fluid is. Some effusions cause pain, swelling, stiffness, breathlessness, or pressure symptoms, while others are found incidentally.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm that fluid is present, show where it has collected, estimate how much there is, and guide drainage if needed.
What radiology does
X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI can show where the fluid is and help estimate how much is present.
What usually happens next
Care depends on the cause and may include observation, medicines, drainage, or treating the underlying disease.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Image-Guided DrainageImage-guided drainage is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound or CT scans to guide a small tube (catheter) into fluid collections in your body, allowing them to be drained safely.
- Knee MRIA Knee MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the complex hinge joint of the knee. It is highly effective for diagnosing sports injuries, identifying the cause of chronic joint pain, and evaluating damage to cartilage and ligaments.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) UltrasoundA Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound provides a real-time, moving picture of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Unlike a static X-ray, this test allows your doctor to see how your internal structures move and stretch while you actively use them.