Clinical Perspective of Pleural Effusions

Question 1

Increased fluid entry is one way for pleural effusions to occur. What is a common cause of the inflammatory process that allows for the fluid entry?

Answer 1

Pneumonia - increased permeability of pleural membranes due to infection

Question 2

What is the cause of transudate in the pleural space?

Answer 2

Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure

Question 3

This type of fluid in the pleura is high in protein and LDH.

Answer 3

Exudate

Question 4

This criteria is used to determine if a fluid is a transudate or exudate.

Answer 4

Light’s Criteria - all must be true for the fluid to be exudate

Question 5

What is the cause of exudate in the pleural space?

Answer 5

Increased capillary permeability due to inflammation

Question 6

A patient is treated with an unguided thoracentesis to relieve a pleural effusion. Suddenly, the patient experiences difficult breathing and no lung sounds are heard on that side. What was the cause?

Answer 6

Pneumothorax - complication of thoracentesis

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with a pleural effusion. Their amylase level is abnormally high. What is a likely cause of the pleural effusion?

Answer 7

Pancreatitis or esophageal perforation

Question 8

This type of fluid in the pleura is low in protein and LDH.

Answer 8

Transudate