T4 L14: Pleural and chest wall disease Flashcards
Which ribs does the scalene muscle attach to?
Rib 1 and 2
What is Kyphoscoliosis?
An abnormal curve of the spine in the coronal and sagittal planes
What are mesothelial cells?
Cells that cover the pleura of the lungs
What is contained within the intrapleural space?
Lymphocytes, macrophages, and mesothelial cells
What is the pH within the intrapleural space of the lungs?
pH 7.6
What is a pleural effusion?
Fluid inside the pleural space
What is a pneumothorax?
Air inside the pleural space which creates a positive pressure. It creates a one way valve so more air can come in but none can leave which builds up the pressure
What is Marfan’s syndrome?
A disorder of the body’s connective tissues
Who is at risk of a primary spontaneous pneumothroax?
Healthy young tall males, smokers
What is pleuodesis?
Sticking the visceral and parietal pleura together. Used to treat recurrent collapsed lungs
What can cause altered permeability of the pleural membranes leading to a pleural effusion?
Inflammation, infection, or cancer
What can cause reduced oncotic pressure leading to a pleural effusion?
Low albumin caused by renal disease or liver cirrhosis
What can cause increased capillary hydrostatic pressure leading to a pleural effusion?
Heart failure
What can cause decreased lymphatic drainage or blockage leading to a pleural effuion?
Malignancy or trauma
What can cause increased peritoneal fluid leading to a pleural effusion?
Liver cirrhosis or peritoneal dialysis
What are the most common causes of pleural effusion?
Heart failure, pneumonia, and malignancy
What is empyema?
Collection of pus in the pleural space that can thicken the pleural surface and prevent expansion of the lungs
What are the risk factors for pleural infection?
Diabetes, immunosuppression, alcohol, poor oral hygiene, trauma, recent hospitalisation
Why would you go over the rib when ding a pleural procedure?
Because the neural bundle sits under a rib so going over prevents damage. An ultrasound would also be used during the procedure
What is the life expectancy for a malignant pleural effusion?
6 months max
When would a pleural effusion be bilateral?
When it’s caused by heart failure
When would a pleural effusion be unilateral?
When it’s caused by malignancy
What us used for pleurodesis?
Talcum powder slurry that sticks the pleura together
What is a heamothorax?
Blood in the pleural space
