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Pleural effusion: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "'''Pleural effusion''', also called '''hydrothorax''', refers to the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity. If visible on a chest radiograph, there are at least 100 mL of fluid. If there is simultaneous pneumothorax, the condition is called '''hydropneumothorax'''. == Etiology and types == * Types according to composition and cause ** Transudates (hydrothorax/HTX) *** Heart failure *** Hypoalbuminaemia **** Cirrhosis **** Nephrotic syndrome ** Exuda...") |
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A chest radiograph taken with the patient lying on their side, effusion side down may allow visualisation of small amounts of subpulmonal fluid. This is sometimes called a "Frimann-Dahl image" (according to the lecture, probably a Hungarian term). | A chest radiograph taken with the patient lying on their side, effusion side down may allow visualisation of small amounts of subpulmonal fluid. This is sometimes called a "Frimann-Dahl image" (according to the lecture, probably a Hungarian term). | ||
<noinclude>[[Category:Pulmonology]]</noinclude> | |||
Ultrasonography and CT may also be used to visualise pleural effusion. CT is rarely necessary. On ultrasound pleural fluid is seen as hypoechoic or anechoic structures in the costophrenic recess. CT can be used to measure fluid density and therefore assist in the determination of the type of fluid. | |||
If the type of fluid is uncertain, it should be drained with a needle for laboratory examination. | |||
<noinclude>[[Category:Pulmonology]] | |||
</noinclude> | |||