Pleural Effusion Flashcards
What is pleural effusion?
When fluid collects between the parietal and visceral pleural surfaces of the thorax
What is exudate?
Due to alteration of local factors like inflammation, protein and LDH rich
What is transudate?
Due to systemic factors like BP, low protein and LDH
How does pleural effusion present?
Dyspnoea, dullness to percussion, cough, quieter breath sounds, pleuritic chest pain
What is the first line investigation?
CXR
What other investigations would you do?
Pleural US
What is the gold standard investigation?
Thoracocentesis - diagnoses underlying cause
How do you treat pleural effusion due to congestive HF?
Loop diuretics
How do you treat pleural effusion due to an infection?
Antibiotics
How do you treat pleural effusion due to a malignancy?
Therapeutic thoracentesis
