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Background: Pleural effusions (PE) occur commonly after cardiac surgery (CS). However little is known about risk factors for their developing. Objective: the aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence, the clinical course and risk factors of PE after CS. Methods: It was a retrospective study from January 2011 to December 2016. We enumerate patients who developed pleural effusion after a CS and studied epidemiological clinical, biological and radiological data. Results: Among 75 patients included in the study, 31 patients(41%) developed a PE. The mean age was 57 years (28 males and 3 females). Seventeen patients were smokers. The Most common comorbidities were hypertension (55%), diabetes (55%).The most of these effusions occurred 15 days post surgery (early onset). The mean time of occurrence was by the seventh post operative day. PE were on the left side (51%), and bilateral (22%). The etiology of most of PE remains unclear. Eight of the effusions were a pneumonitis reaction, 3 were attributed to congestive heart failure and 1 was an empyema. Pleural fluid was hemorrhagic and fluid analysis showed an exudate in most cases. The volume of effusion was under 120 ml in 80% of patients. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CAPG) (71%) and valvular replacement (VR) (22%) were the most common indications for CS. The PE occurred in 40% of cases after a CAPG and in 14% of cases after a VR. The mean duration of CBP in patients who developed PE was 99,11min.The treatment was based on the etiology and pleural physiotherapy. The evolution was favorable in most cases. Conclusion: PE is common complication of CS. The cause of many of PE remains unclear. CAPG is associated with greater proportion of them.