Pleural Effusion Flashcards Preview

Respiratory Diseases > Pleural Effusion > Flashcards

Flashcards in Pleural Effusion Deck (9)
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1
Q

what is it

A

excess fluid between layers of pleura

2
Q

what are symptoms

A

worsening dyspnoea
cough
pleuritic pain

3
Q

what are signs

A

wall movement - reduced unilaterally
percussion note - stony dull
breath sounds - absent but bronchial superior to effusion
vocal fremitus - absent

4
Q

what is causes of exudative pleural effusion (protein more than 30g/l)

A

neoplasma
PE
infections

5
Q

what is cause of transudative pleural effusion (protein less than 30g/l)

A

LVF

cirrhosis

6
Q

what are other causes

A
congestive heart failure 
pneumonia 
renal failure 
cancer 
autoimmune (SLE)
7
Q

how is it diagnosed

A

symptoms and signs
CXR - >300 fluid, changes range from obliteration of costophrenic angle to dense homogenous shadows
CT
pleural biopsy

8
Q

what is treatment

A

thoracentesis
symptomatic relief
pleurodesis (adhesion of pleural membranes)

9
Q

what are complications

A

empyema
subcutaneous emphysems
haemorrhage
vagus nerve irritation