Ipsilateral and contralateral hemidiaphragm dynamics in symptomatic pleural effusion: The 2nd PLeural Effusion And Symptom Evaluation (PLEASE-2) Study.

This pilot study suggests, for the first time, that unilateral pleural effusion not only impairs ipsilateral hemidiaphragm function but also causes compensatory hyperactivity of the contralateral hemidiaphragm, which resolves post-drainage. These findings provide a basis for detailed studies of diaphragmatic function and ventilatory drive in patients with symptomatic pleural effusion.