Pleural Effusion Flashcards
What is a pleural effusion?
An accumulation of fluid within the pleural space.
What causes a transudative pleural effusion?
Disturbances in oncotic pressure - often heart failure, or liver cirrhosis.
Will have low protein (<30g/L).
What causes an exudative pleural effusion?
The result of fluid which has left the circulatory system, moving towards areas of inflammation. Often due to malignancy or infection.
Will have high protein (>30g/L).
What does the presence of lymphocytes in a pleural effusion indicate?
Tuberculosis or an underlying malignancy is responsible.
What is the process for aspirating a pleural effusion called?
Thoracocentesis
What causes a straw-coloured aspirate?
Cardiac failure
hypoalbuminaemia
What causes a bloody aspirate?
Trauma
Malignancy
Infection
Infarction
What causes a turbid/milky aspirate?
Empyema
Chylothorax
What causes food particles to present in aspirate?
An oesophageal rupture.
How is a simple effusion treated?
Is classified as simple if pH >7.2. This can be treated with antibiotics only.
How is a complicated effusion treated?
Is classified as complicated if pH<7.2. Requires a chest drain and antibiotics.
