Pleural friction rub

a creaking sound caused by stiff pleural membranes such as with pleurisy.

It’s due to thickened or roughened pleural surfaces rub together & give a continuous or intermittent grating sound.

Area of auscultation Anterolateral thoracic wall (maximal shifting area of lung)

Friction rub disappeared if holding breath

Causes

  • Tuberculous pleurisy
  • pneumonia
  • pulmonary infarction
  • Uremia
  • Pleural mesothelioma