Pleural Effusion Flashcards

1
Q

What is pleural effusion?

A

When fluid collects between the parietal and visceral pleural surfaces of the thorax

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2
Q

What is exudate?

A

Due to alteration of local factors like inflammation, protein and LDH rich

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3
Q

What is transudate?

A

Due to systemic factors like BP, low protein and LDH

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4
Q

How does pleural effusion present?

A

Dyspnoea, dullness to percussion, cough, quieter breath sounds, pleuritic chest pain

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5
Q

What is the first line investigation?

A

CXR

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6
Q

What other investigations would you do?

A

Pleural US

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7
Q

What is the gold standard investigation?

A

Thoracocentesis - diagnoses underlying cause

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8
Q

How do you treat pleural effusion due to congestive HF?

A

Loop diuretics

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9
Q

How do you treat pleural effusion due to an infection?

A

Antibiotics

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10
Q

How do you treat pleural effusion due to a malignancy?

A

Therapeutic thoracentesis

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