pleural effusion

Question 1

protein in transudate pleural effusion

Answer 1

<30g/l

Question 2

protein in exudate pleural effusion

Answer 2

> 30g/L

Question 3

exudative causes of pleural effusion

Answer 3

related to inflammation:
- pneumonia
- cancer
- infection
- RA
- tuberculosis
- pancreatitis
- dressler’s syndrome

Question 4

transudative causes of pleural effusion

Answer 4

congestive heart failure
hypoalbuminaemia (liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malabsorption)
hypothyroidism
meigs syndrome

Question 5

meigs syndrome

Answer 5

benign ovarian tumour
pleural effusion
ascites

Question 6

presentation of pleural effusion

Answer 6

dyspnoea, non-productive cough or chest pain
examination: dullness to percussion, reduced breath sounds, reduced chest expansion

Question 7

investigations in pleural effusion

Answer 7

PA chest x-ray
- blunting of costophrenic angle
- fluid in lung fissures
- meniscus
- tracheal and mediastinal deviation
also: USS and CT