Fluid build up in the pleural cavity

Relevant Physiology

Etiology

1. Too much production
2. Obstruction of efflux
3. Trauma to chest wall
   • Hemothorax
   • Chylothorax (chyle: hight Fat, TG due to disruption of thoracic duct)
   • Urinothorax

Consequences/Natural history

• Lead to Restrictive PFT

Classifications

<aside>

• Classification based onLight’s Criteria </aside>

• Transudate

  • !CHF (H+W)
  • !Liver Failure
  • Nephrotic syndrome (>3.5)

• Exudate (semi-permeable membrane disruption)

  • Lung Cancer → Malignant Pleural effusion
  • Infection
    • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
    • Pneumonia (40%) → Parapeumonic Effusion
  • Inflammation
    • !PE - Pulmonary embolism
    • SARD
    • SLE - Lupus

Investigation

Physical Exam

Pleural rub (cont.)

Tests

• CXR - Chest X ray
• Ultrasound
• Chest CT