Pleural Effusion Flashcards

1
Q

What is pleural effusion?

A

An abnormal collection of fluid in pleural space.

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2
Q

What should raise concern?

A

Large unilateral effusion

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3
Q

Pleural Fluid appearance

A
  • Straw Coloured => Cardiac failure.
  • Bloody => trauma, malignancy, infection.
  • Turbid/Milky => empyema, chylothorax.
  • Foul smelling => anaerobic empyema.
  • Food Particles => oesophageal rupture.
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4
Q

Biochemistry

A

Transudates & exudates

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5
Q

Transudates: Protein

A
  • Protein < 30g/L
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6
Q

Exudates: Protein

A
  • Protein > 30g/L
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7
Q

Transudates: Conditions

A

Heart failure, liver cirrhosis, hypoalbuminaemia, atelectasis, peritoneal dialysis.

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8
Q

Exudates: Condition

A

Local disease, malignancy, infection, pulmonary infarction, asbestos.

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9
Q

Fluid pH

A
  • 7.6 => Normal.
  • < 7.3 => Pleural Inflammation.
  • < 7.2 => Requires Drainage.
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10
Q

Glucose

A

Low in infection, rheumatoid Arthiritis, malignancy, oesophageal rupture & SLE.

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11
Q

Diagnosis:

A

Biochemistry tests (fluid pH & glucose), pleural aspirate, repeat pleural tap, PACXR, CT Chest, Culture, Tissue Biopsy.

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12
Q

Pleural Aspirate

A

Will diagnose malignancy in 60% => 2nd sample will increase yield.

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