Pleural effusion Flashcards
1
Q
Pathophysiology
A
Fluid in pleural spaces
(blood, pus, exudate, transudate)
2
Q
Examination findings
A
Potential trachea deviation
Reduced breath sounds
Reduced chest wall movement
Reduced Vocal resonance
Stony dull percussion
3
Q
Investigations
A
CXR
USS guided aspiration
routine bloods
4
Q
Exudate Features
A
High protein
High LDH
5
Q
Transudate Features
A
Low protein
Low LDH
6
Q
Exudate Causes
A
Infection
Malignancy
RA
7
Q
Transudate Causes
A
Heart failure
Nephrotic syndrome
Liver cirrhosis
PE
8
Q
Treatment
A
Treat underlying cause
If PH <7.2 (Empyema) - Drainage
If Malignancy - Drainage
If persists - Drainage
9
Q
Drainage Location
A
5th ICS, Mid axillary line, Just above rib
10
Q
Lights Criteria
A
Exudate if any one of follwing:
Pleura:Serum Protein > 0.5
Pleura:serum LDH > 0.4
Pleura LDH > 2/3 upper limit of normal
