Which factor is NOT a specific cause of exudative pleural effusions?

Exudative pleural effusions are typically characterized by the presence of high protein content, and are usually the result of inflammatory or infectious processes. When considering the specific causes of exudative pleural effusions, it is important to recognize the nature of each condition listed.

Congestive heart failure primarily leads to transudative pleural effusions, which are caused by systemic factors affecting fluid balance, rather than local inflammatory processes. The underlying mechanism involves increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary circulation, leading to fluid leakage into the pleural space, but without the high protein content characteristic of exudative effusions.

In contrast, conditions like viral pleurisy, tuberculous pleurisy, and postoperative complications typically induce localized inflammation or infection, prompting an increase in permeability of the pleural membranes. This results in the accumulation of fluid with higher protein levels, categorizing these scenarios as exudative causes. Therefore, while congestive heart failure is involved in the development of pleural effusions, it does not pertain to the category of specific causes associated with exudative pleural effusions.