Pleural Diseases

Question 1

What is lights criteria?

Answer 1

1. Determines transudate vs exudate

2. Exudate if high in protein or LDH

Question 2

What characterizes transudate?

Answer 2

1. LDH and protein poor because it is squeezed out of vessels
2. Caused by extrinsic issues with liver, kidneys, lungs

Question 3

What chest X-ray view is needed to characterize possible pleural effusion?

Answer 3

1. Lateral decubitus- shows free fluid

Question 4

What are the types of parapneumonic effusion?

Answer 4

1. Insignificant (1cm, G stain neg)

3. Complicated (>1 cm, pH