Pleural disease Flashcards
Describe the causes and clinical features of pleural effusion.
Collection of fluid in the pleural space due to an imbalanced between production and absorption
transdate- non-inflammatory
exudate- inflammatory (higher protein content)
Define the approach to investigation of a pleural effusion.
ultrasound, CXR, CT thorax
Describe the management of common causes of pleural effusion.
Ph less than 7.2 with pneumonia, pus or blood requires a chest drain, transudate- treat underlying cause and may not need CT
exudate- unless cause identified will need fritter imaging or biopsy
What is a pneumothorax
collection of air in the pleural space due to collapse lung
primary- individuals with normal lungs
secondary- if they have a pre existing condition
Can be caused by genetics, COPD, asthma or cycles fibrosis
what would you find on examination of someone with pneumothorax
breathing fast, hypoxic, reduced chest wall movements and reduced or no breathe sounds
what would you find on examination of someone with pneumothorax
breathing fast, hypoxic, reduced chest wall movements and reduced or no breathe sounds
where is it safe to do a chest drain
In the ‘safe triangle’ and 5th intercostal space miclavicular line
What is mesothelioma
primary malignancy- Rare but aggressive tumour due to expose to asbestos
secondary malignancy- pleural is involved as a result of cancer elsewhere in the body
What are pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are small areas of thickened tissue in the lung lining, or pleura. They typically develop 20 – 30 years after prolonged asbestos exposure.
determine whether it is a pleural exudate or transudate
1) Pleural protein : Serum protein is >0.5
2) Pleural LDH : Serum LDH is >0.6
3) Pleural LDH is >2/3 the upper limit of the normal serum LDH range
