Erroneous classification of a pleural effusion. The role of a traumatic thoracentesis.
The separation of pleural effusions into exudates and transudates is based on the pleural fluid LDH and protein content compared to the simultaneous serum LDH and protein content. A patient in biventricular failure presented with a right pleural effusion that met the criteria of a transudate. After a traumatic thoracentesis the fluid met the criteria of an exudate.
D000368:Aged; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism
D001798:Blood Proteins; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase