What type of pleural effusion is associated with large protein amounts and inflammation?

• A. Transudative pleural effusion
• B. Chylothorax
• C. Exudative pleural effusion
• D. Hydrothorax

Answer: (C)

Exudative pleural effusion is characterized by the presence of a high concentration of proteins and often occurs in the context of inflammation or injury to the pleura. This type of effusion is typically a result of inflammatory processes, such as infection, malignancy, or autoimmune diseases, where the pleura becomes permeable, allowing proteins and inflammatory cells to accumulate in the pleural space.

In exudative pleural effusions, the protein levels are typically greater than 3 g/dL, and there are often higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) compared to the serum, indicating an inflammatory process is at play. This differentiates exudative effusions from transudative effusions, which are usually associated with systemic conditions like heart failure or cirrhosis and have lower protein content and a different mechanism of fluid accumulation.

Chylothorax is a specific type of pleural effusion resulting from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, often due to trauma or obstruction of the thoracic duct. Hydrothorax refers to a type of pleural effusion that is typically transudative and occurs due to an imbalance in hydrostatic and oncotic pressure, commonly reflected in conditions such as heart failure.

Therefore