[94] Pleural Effusion Flashcards

1
Q

What is a pleural effusion?

A

An abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Are pleural effusions primary or secondary?

A

It can be a primary manifestation, or a secondary complication of many disorders

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What do pleural effusions usually occur as a result of?

A

Complications of other conditions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the most common conditions causing pleural effusions?

A
  • Pneumonia or other infections
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Chest surgery
  • Autoimmune conditions, e.g. Lupus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What does the presentation of pleural effusion depend on?

A
  • Underlying disease

- Size and location of the effusion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What do children with an effusion as a complication of pneumonia often have a history of

A

Recent URTI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How might children with a pleural effusion as a result of pneumonia present?

A
  • Persistent fever
  • Cough
  • Anorexia and malaise
  • Tachypnoea
  • Chest pain
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How are children with tuberculous pleural effusions more likely to present?

A

With a Tb-like picture (obviously)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How do malignant pleural effusions present?

A

May be more indolent, and cause either no symptoms, or only cough and low-grade fever

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Give two examples of causes of transudative pleural effusions

A
  • Congestive heart failure

- Nephrotic syndrome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What determines the presenting symptoms in transudative pleural effusion?

A

The underlying disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What may be found on examination in pleural effusions?

A
  • Dyspnoea
  • Anxiety (due to pain, discomfort, or hypoxaemia)
  • Pleural rub
  • Fullness of intercostal spaces and diminished chest expansion on affected side
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What investigations should be done in pleural effusions?

A
  • CXR
  • Pleural fluid analysis
  • Tests to determine cause
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for pleural effusions?

A
  • Atelectasis
  • Lung abscess
  • Simple pneumonia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the purpose of treatment for pleural effusion?

A

Usually aimed at treatment of the effusion itself and the condition that originally caused it

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Do small pleural effusions require treatment?

A

May not

17
Q

When will a pleural effusion require treatment?

A

If it is causing symptoms

18
Q

How are pleural effusions usually treated?

A

Chest drain

19
Q

What should be done if there are repeated pleural effusions?

A

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery