pleural effusion Flashcards
1
Q
what is it
A
excessive accumulation of fluid in pleural space
2
Q
when can it be detected on chest x-ray
A
> 300mL of fluid
3
Q
when can it be detected clinically
A
> 500mL
4
Q
what is seen on chest x-ray
A
- obliteration of the costophrenic angle
- dense homogeneous shadows
5
Q
what can fluid below lung stimulate
A
a raised hemidiaphragm
6
Q
diagnosis
A
pleural aspiration
7
Q
what is aspiration done with
A
ultrasound
8
Q
what are the 2 types
A
- transudate
- exudate
9
Q
causes of transudate
A
- heart failure
- liver failure
- kidney failure
- ovarian tumours
- hypothyroidism
10
Q
where are transudates usually larger.
A
right side
11
Q
what is protein content in transudate
A
<30g/L
12
Q
what is protein content of exudates
A
> 30g/L
13
Q
causes of exudate
A
- pneumonia
- carcinoma of bronchus
- TB
- post MI
- mesothelioma
- sarcoidosis
14
Q
how is diagnosed if aspiration is not established
A
pleural biopsy
15
Q
treatment
A
treat underlying condition unless fluid is purulent
