Pleural Disease Flashcards
What is mesothelium?
A membrane formed by simple squamous epithelium
What makes up the pleura?
A single layer of mesothelium and a sub-pleural layer of connective tissue
What is the dynamic turnover of pleural fluid?
Around 30-75% per hour
What force causes the blood to absorb pleural fluid?
The plasma osmotic pressure
What forces causes fluid to move into the pleural cavity?
The positive pulmonary and systemic arterial pressures.
What is a potential space?
A space in the body that can occur between two structures normally pressed together, such as the pleura
What structures can be damaged in a pleural procedure?
- Subclavian Vein/Arteries
- Liver
- Kidney’s
- Spleen
Do Pleural Effusion, mesothelioma and Pneumothorax form written notes.
Look up anything not clear from notes
What is asbestos?
A highly fibrous naturally occurring mineral
What are the types of asbestos?
Chrysotile (white) [most used, ~90%]
Amosite (Brown)
Crocidolite (Blue) [Most dangerous]
What pleural disease can asbestos cause?
A Mesothelioma, tumour of the simple squamous epithelium in the pleura.
Who is exposed to asbestos?
Boiler men, engineers, electricians, construction workers, plumbers etc.
Also in people who come into contact with it, such as those washing the overalls of people working with asbestos.
How long after exposure does asbestos related disease occuR?
20-40 years after exposure
