Respiratory medicine

Question 1

Definition of exudative pleural effusion?

Answer 1

> 30g/L of protein

Question 2

Definition of transudative pleural effusion?

Answer 2

<30g/L of protein

Question 3

Causes of Exudative pleural effusion?

Answer 3

Infection, Malignancy, RA, SLE, Pancreatitis, PE.

Question 4

Causes of a Transudative pleural effusion?

Answer 4

Heart failure, liver disease, meig’s syndrome, nephrotic syndrome

Question 5

What investigations should be carried out in pleural effusions?

Answer 5

USS - to aid drainage/sampling and detect septations.
Contrast CT - if exudative
Pleural aspiration - important if patient presenting with sepsis and infection.