Effusions and edema

Question 1

What is the protein and cellular content of a pure transudate?

Answer 1

<2.5g/dL, <1500 cells/ul

Question 2

Pure transudates most often result from what process?

Answer 2

Decreased oncotic pressure

Question 3

What is protein and cellular content of a modified transudate?

Answer 3

2.5-5 g/dL, greater than 1000 but less than 5000 cells/uL

Question 4

What is the protein and cellular content of an exudate?

Answer 4

> 2.5g/dL, >5000 cell/uL

Question 5

Name 3 causes of non-septic exudate

Answer 5

Neoplasia, pancreatitis, FIP, sometimes bile

Question 6

Name 3 causes of an eosinophilic exudate (>10% eosinophils)

Answer 6

Lymphoma, systemic mast cell disease, aberrant larval migrans, fungal disease, disseminated eosinophilic granulomatosis

Question 7

A hemorrhagic effusion has a PCV of greater than what?

Answer 7

> 10%

Question 8

What is Starling’s equation?

Answer 8

net transvascular fluid flow = vascular permeability x [(hydrostatic pressure in the vessel - hydrostatic pressure in the interstitium) - (oncotic pressure in the vessels - oncotic pressure in the interstitium)]

Question 9

Mechanistically, what does pitting edema represent?

Answer 9

Displacement of fluid in the interstitial space

Question 10

Mechanistically, what does non-pitting edema represent?

Answer 10

Intracellular swelling or interstitial fluid retention with clotting fibrinogen that prevents fluid shifts when pressing on the area

Question 11

Name 3 causes of pitting edema

Answer 11

Increased vascular permeability, venous obstruction, lymphatic abnormalities

Question 12

Name 3 causes on non-pitting edema

Answer 12

Angioedema, traumatic or post-surgical swelling, chronic lymphedema, myxedema

Question 13

Chronic lymphedema begins as pitting edema, but becomes non-pitting over time. Why?

Answer 13

Collagen deposition and fibrosis occurs in the affected tissues, so the fluid can no longer shift