Pleural effusion Flashcards
1
Q
define a pleural effusion
A
accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
2
Q
when can a pleural effusion be detected on X-ray?
A
if volume is more than 300ml
3
Q
how is diagnosis of a pleural effusion made?
A
pleural aspiration with ultrasound guidance
4
Q
two types of fluid in a pleural effusion
A
- transudate
2. exudate
5
Q
describe transudate fluid
A
protein less than 30g/L
6
Q
describe exudate fluid
A
protein more than 30g/L
7
Q
causes of a transudative pleural effusion
A
- heart failure
- hypoproteinaemia
- constrictive pericarditis
8
Q
causes of exudative pleural effusion
A
- pneumonia
- bronchial carcinoma
- TB
- post MI
- pancreatitis
