Pleural Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
What is a pleural effusion?
A
Fluid between the layers of the pleura
2
Q
What are the risk factors for pleural effusion?
A
Congestive HF Pneumonia Malignancy PE Recent MI Occupational lung disease
3
Q
How does a pleural effusion present?
A
SOB Dry cough Pleuritic chest pain Inability to lie flat Generally feeling unwell Breath sounds diminished/absent at base Basal dullness on percussion
4
Q
What causes exudative effusion?
A
If the pleura is damaged - trauma, infection, malignancy
5
Q
What causes transudative effusion?
A
Excessive production of pleural fluid or resorption capacity is reduced
6
Q
What investigations are done?
A
CXR
Examination
7
Q
What is the management of pleural effusion?
A
Ultrasound guided pleural aspiration
Treat underlying cause if possible
8
Q
What are the complications of pleural effusion?
A
Lung damage
Empyema
Pneumothorax
Pleural thickening
