Pleural Effusion Flashcards
What is a pleural effusion
Collection of fluid in the pleural cavity
What can the fluid be
Exudative or transudative
Content of exudate fluid
High protein >3g/dL
Content of transudative fluid
Low protein <3g/dL
What are exudative causes related to
Inflammation as it results in protein leaking out of the tissues in to the pleural space
Exudative causes
Lung cancer, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis
What are transudative causes related to
Fluid moving across into the pleural space
Transudative causes
Congestive cardiac failure, hypoalbuminaemia, hypothyroidism, Meig’s syndrome
Presentation of pleural effusion
SOB, dullness to percussion over the effusion, reduced breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from the effusion if it is massive
CXR findings of pleural effusion
Blunting of costophrenic angle, fluid in the lung fissures, meniscus and tracheal and mediastinal deviation
Investigations into the pleural effusion
CXR and sample of pleural fluid for testing
Conservative management options
Appropriate for small effusions will resolve with treatment of underlying cause
What do larger effusions require
Aspiration or drainage
What is an empyema
Infected pleural effusion
When to suspect empyema
Improving pneumonia but new and ongoing fever
