Pleural Effusion Flashcards
what is it
excess fluid between layers of pleura
what are symptoms
worsening dyspnoea
cough
pleuritic pain
what are signs
wall movement - reduced unilaterally
percussion note - stony dull
breath sounds - absent but bronchial superior to effusion
vocal fremitus - absent
what is causes of exudative pleural effusion (protein more than 30g/l)
neoplasma
PE
infections
what is cause of transudative pleural effusion (protein less than 30g/l)
LVF
cirrhosis
what are other causes
congestive heart failure pneumonia renal failure cancer autoimmune (SLE)
how is it diagnosed
symptoms and signs
CXR - >300 fluid, changes range from obliteration of costophrenic angle to dense homogenous shadows
CT
pleural biopsy
what is treatment
thoracentesis
symptomatic relief
pleurodesis (adhesion of pleural membranes)
what are complications
empyema
subcutaneous emphysems
haemorrhage
vagus nerve irritation
