Pleural Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
What is pleural effusion?
A
Excess fluid in the pleural space
2
Q
What are the 2 main causes of fluid in the pleural space?
A
Failure of absorption
Overproduction
3
Q
What can cause failure of absorption of pleural fluid?
A
Hypoproteinaemia
- cirrhosis
- nephrotic syndrome
Congestive heart failure = increased venous pressure
Lymphatic obstruction
- cancer
4
Q
What can cause overproduction?
A
Increased capillary permeability = inflammation
- infection
- cancer
5
Q
What are the symptoms of a pleural effusion?
A
Dyspnoea
Dry cough
Orthopnoea
6
Q
What causes bilateral effusions?
A
Failure of absorption
7
Q
What causes unilateral effusions?
A
Over production
8
Q
How is the effusion classified?
A
Transudate or exudate - dependant on protein content
9
Q
What criteria is used to assess protein content?
A
Light’s criteria
