Pleural Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
Pleural Effusion: Define
A
Pleural Effusion is the abnormal build up of fluid in the pleural space. This excess fluid can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs. Effusions can be divided by their protein concentration into Transudates < 30g/L and Exudates > 30g/L
2
Q
Pleural Effusion Symptoms
A
SOB increasing Chest Pain pleuritic Cough dry Malaise Night Sweats Fever Dull Ache Weight Loss
3
Q
Pleural Effusion Signs
A
Decreased Chest Expansion Decreased Breath Sounds Decreased Vocal Resonance Deviated Trachea Finger Clubbing Peripheral Oedema Lymphadenopathy Raised JVP Stony Dullness to Percussion.
4
Q
Pleural Effusion Investigations:
A
Biopsy Blood culture CXR CT of Thorax Pleural Aspiration - 4th ICS MAL US - to see presence of pleural fluid & in guiding for aspiration.
5
Q
Pleural Effusion Management:
A
CXR then CT, then Pleural Aspiration If not sufficient, take Biopsy too If not sufficient, do Thoracoscopy Pleurodhesis = syringe to 4th ICS MAL (artificial obliteration of pleural space - involves tetracycline, bleomycin or talc. Surgical Pleurodhesis Corticosteroids Chemotherapy Anti TB Chemo Palliative
6
Q
Conditions causing Transudates:
A
Constrictive Pericarditis Heart Failure = most common cause! Hypoalbuminaemia Hypothyroidism Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Pulmonary Embolism Peritoneal Dialysis Liver Cirrhosis Left Ventricular Failrue Mitral Stenosis Meig's Syndrome Nephrotic Syndrome
7
Q
Conditions causing Exudates:
RAPPPPMBY
A
Rheumatoid Arthiritis Autoimmune disease (SLE, Polyarteritis) Pulmonary Embolism Pancreaitis Post MI Infection Parapneumonic Malignancy (lung, breast, mesothelioma) Benign Asbestos Effusion Yellow Nail Syndrome Infection (Pneumonia, TB, Sub-phrenic Abscess). MOST COMMON CAUSE - of the exudative pleural effusion.
8
Q
Empyema:
Chylothorax:
Haemothorax:
Haemopneumothorax:
A
Empyema: pus in pleural space
Chylothorax: lymph with fat in pleural space
Haemothorax: blood in pleural space
Haemopneumothorax: blood and air in pleural space
