Pleural Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
pleural effusion
A
collection of fluid in the pleural cavity
2
Q
what are the types of pleural fluid
A
exudative - protein >35
transudative - protein <35
3
Q
exudative causes
A
malignancy pneumonia TB SLE RA pancreatitis
4
Q
transudative causes
A
HF
hypothyoid
Meig’s syndrome
hypoalbuminaemia
5
Q
signs
A
dyspnoea pleuritic chest pain stony dullness on percussion dry cough reduced breath sounds reduced vocal resonance
fever - think of infection
6
Q
investigations
A
USS guide aspiration
if protein content value is between 25-35, then get a value of LDH
LDH>0.6 - exudative
LDH<0.6 - transudative
CXR:
blunting of costrophrenic angle
7
Q
findings of aspiration
A
pH <7.2 - empyema blood - cancer, mesothelioma raised amylase - pancreatitis low glucose - RA low complement - RA and SLE
8
Q
management
A
manage underlying condition
conservative management
9
Q
empyema
A
infected fluid in pleural cavity
pH <7.2
manage with drainage
10
Q
what can be done if the protein level is between 25 and 35
A
LDH values
pleural fluid protein/serum fluid protein
(>0.5 exu/<0.5 trans)
