Pleural Effusion Flashcards
what is pleural effusion
accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
accumulation is due to what?
abnormal drainage or seepage
What types of fluid are there?
Exudate: inflammation fluid with proteins
Transudate: not inflammation fluid, no proteins
Empyema: purulent fluid
Hemothorax: blood
Chylothorax: lymph
Etiology
usually dt congestive heart failure
also dt CA, infection, pulmonary infarction
Patho
fluid enters via parietal capillaries
Drains into parietal lymphatics
when fluid entry exceeds the drainage you will have pleural effusion
Manifestations
Dyspnea, pleuritic pain (pressure from stretching the plueral membrane), lung compression (pressure)
Diagnosis
Chest xray is really revealing
US/CT
Treatment
Treat underlying cause
Thoracentesis
Chest tube (to drain can be semi or permanent)
