Pleural effusion is often associated with which condition?

Pleural effusion is a common complication associated with bronchopulmonary sequestration. This condition is characterized by an abnormal mass of lung tissue that does not communicate with the tracheobronchial tree and receives its blood supply from systemic circulation instead of the pulmonary circulation. The presence of bronchopulmonary sequestration can lead to various complications, including infection or inflammation, which can result in the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, thus causing pleural effusion.

In contrast, while conditions like congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) can be associated with similar features in some cases, the direct and frequent correlation of pleural effusion with bronchopulmonary sequestration is more pronounced. Cystic fibrosis can cause respiratory issues and thick secretions, potentially leading to complications, but pleural effusion is not as typical. Asthma, primarily an obstructive airways disease, can lead to wheezing and acute exacerbations but does not inherently cause pleural effusions. Thus, recognizing bronchopulmonary sequestration as frequently linked with pleural effusion highlights the importance of understanding this connection in the context of maternal-fetal medicine.