| Pleural friction rub | |
|---|---|
| Differential diagnosis | pneumonia, pulmonary embolism |
Apleural friction rub, or simplypleural rub, is an audiblemedical sign present in some patients withpleurisy and other conditions affecting the chest cavity. It is noted by listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using astethoscope on the lungs.
Pleural friction rubs are the squeaking or grating sounds of thepleural linings rubbing together[1] and can be described as the sound made by treading on fresh snow. They occur where the pleural layers are inflamed and have lost their lubrication. Pleural rubs are common inpneumonia,pulmonary embolism, andpleurisy (pleuritis). Because these sounds occur whenever the patient's chest wall moves, they appear oninspiration andexpiration.
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