*Brief Pleural Disease

Question 1

Protein level in exudates?

Answer 1

Greater than 30g/L

Question 2

What usually causes exudates?

Answer 2

Increased leakiness of capillaries secondary to infection, inflammation or malignancy

Question 3

Protein level in transudate?

Answer 3

Less than 30g/L

Question 4

Cases of transudates?

Answer 4

Increased venous pressure e.g. cardiac failure, pericarditis
Hypoproteinuria e.g. cirrhosis, malabsorption
Most likely not a chest problem

Question 5

Investigations of pleural effusion?

Answer 5

CXR
US
Aspiraiton testing

Question 6

What type of pleural effusion is straw coloured?

Answer 6

Exudate

Question 7

What does food particles in pleural effusion mean?

Answer 7

Oesophagus has ruptured

Question 8

What does milky pleural effusion mean?

Answer 8

Empyema

Question 9

Treatment of pleural effusion?

Answer 9

Depends on cause e.g. HF = diuretics, infection = antibiotics and drain

Question 10

What sign suggest air in the mediastinum?

Answer 10

Herman’s sign = click on auscultation of left side