Broken down into Transudative and Exudative effusion. Remember that for Transudate, all of
the following need to be met. If all are not met, then the patient has an exudative effusion.
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K N O W M E D G E
Transudate effusions include conditions such as: CHF, Nephrotic syndrome, Cirrhosis,
Hypothyroidism
Exudative effusions include conditions such as: Neoplasm, Infection, RA, SLE,
Esophageal perforation, Pancreatitis, and Dressler Syndrome
Pearl # 8: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) findings can help narrow down, if not nail, the