Pleural effusion Flashcards
1
Q
Types of pleural effusion
A
Transudative and exudative
2
Q
Causes of transudative pleural effusion (4)
A
- Heart failure
- Liver failure
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
3
Q
Causes of exudative pleural effusion (4)
A
- Infection
- Malignancy
- Connective tissue disease
- Pancreatitis
4
Q
Light’s criteria for diagnosing transudative pleural effusion
A
- Pleural fluid:serum protein >0.5
- Pleural fluid:serum LDH >0.6
- Pleural fluid LDH >0.7 (2/3)
5
Q
Signs of pleural effusion (6)
A
- Reduced expansion
- Stony dull percussion
- Decreased vocal resonance
- Decreased breath sounds
- Bronchial breathing
- Pleural rubs
6
Q
Signs of pleural effusion on CXR (3)
A
- Meniscal sign
- Blunting of costophrenic angles
- Air-fluid level (pneumothorax)
Ix: you would also do an ultrasound-guided aspiration for cytology and biochemistry.
7
Q
Management of pleural effusion
A
Drainage. Pleurodesis if severe.
