Pleural Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
What is a pleural effusion?
A
An abnormal collection of fluid within the pleural space
2
Q
Pleural effusions - how to detect?
A
X ray
3
Q
Transudate vs exudate pleural effusions
A
Protein <30g = transudate
Protein > 30g = exudate
If close to 30, use lights criteria
4
Q
If protein is close to 30 in a pleural effusion, what criteria can be used to distinguish between transudate or exudate?
A
Lights criteria
5
Q
What is this showing?
A
Right sided pleural effusion
6
Q
Pleural effusion - transudate causes? (4)
A
Heart failure Cirrhosis Constrictive pericarditis Nephrotic syndrome Typically bilateral
7
Q
Pleural effusion - exudate causes? (4)
A
Parapneumonic effusion
Malignancy
TB
PE
8
Q
Unilateral pleural effusion - why do we worry?
A
Usually exudate - may be cancer
9
Q
Coarse inspiration crackles, 0.81 FEV1/FVC ratio? What is the diagnosis?
A
Restrictive pattern - likely pulmonary fibrosis
