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Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
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A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...

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A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
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Pleural effusion in pulmonary embolism.

Richard W Light1

  • 1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2650, USA. rlight98@yahoo.com

Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|January 8, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Pulmonary embolism (PE) frequently causes small pleural effusions, typically exudative. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, D-dimer testing, and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) if indicated.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Critical Care

Background:

  • Pleural effusions are a common complication of pulmonary embolism (PE), affecting an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 patients annually in the U.S.
  • PE-associated pleural effusions are usually small, occupying less than one-third of the hemithorax and often presenting as costophrenic angle blunting.
  • Pleural fluid in PE is characteristically an exudate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnostic approach and management of pleural effusions in the context of pulmonary embolism.
  • To highlight the diagnostic utility of D-dimer testing and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in suspected PE.
  • To outline potential complications and their management.

Main Methods:

  • Assessment of clinical probability for PE.

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  • D-dimer testing for low-probability cases.
  • Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for high-probability cases or positive D-dimer tests.
  • Anticoagulation initiation in high-probability patients pending definitive imaging.

    • Main Results:

    • A negative D-dimer test effectively excludes PE in low-probability patients.
    • CTA is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing PE when suspicion is high or D-dimer is positive.
    • Standard PE treatment is not altered by the presence of a pleural effusion.

    Conclusions:

    • Pleural effusions in PE are typically small and exudative, and their presence does not change standard PE treatment.
    • Complications such as hemothorax or infection necessitate diagnostic thoracentesis if effusion size increases during treatment.
    • Prompt diagnosis and management of PE, considering pleural effusion characteristics, are crucial for patient outcomes.