pleural effusion pathophysiology

  • normal pleural fluid production and absorption:
    • 17 ml / day
    • stoma on parietal pleural drain fluid to lymphatics, can get rid of 40 cc/ day
  • Increased production:
    • increased intravascular pressure: heart failure, increased volume
    • decreased pleural pressure: atelectasis
    • increased permeability: increased peritoneal fluid
  • decreased clearance:
    • cancer: plugged up
    • increased SVR
  • pleural effusion symptoms
    • dyspnea, orthopnea, can sat ok
    • cough: more exudative
    • chest pain: pleuritis (inflammation), dull = malignant
    • fever