Pleura
A pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space (between the visceral and parietal pleura).
What our notes say
- A pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space (between the visceral and parietal pleura). (Pleural Effusion)
- A pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space between the visceral (lung) and parietal (chest wall) pleura. (Pleural Effusion: Light's Criteria, Fluid Analysis and Management)
- The awareness of respiratory effort is related to the increased force used to ventilate the lungs e.g. rigid thoracic cage and abnormally rigid pleura (Cardiovascular system examination revised 2012 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- cough is a protective action, and it can be initiated both voluntarily and via stimulation of cough receptors located throughout the respiratory tract (ear, sinuses, upper and lower airways to the level of the terminal bronchioles, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm). (Examination of Respiratory system — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Symptoms: progressive dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain (may disappear as fluid separates the pleura), dry cough; plus symptoms of the cause (fever, weight loss, orthopnoea). (Pleural Effusion)
- | Others | Carcinoid, mesothelioma (pleura), metastases from elsewhere (commonest lung malignancy overall) | (Lung Cancer)
Study material on Pleura
- Examination of Respiratory system
- Lung Pathology — Must-Know
- Master First-Year Anatomy: Must-Know Essays & Key Concepts
- Cardiovascular system examination revised 2012
- Respiratory System Pathology 1A
- Pleural Effusion: Light's Criteria, Fluid Analysis and Management
- Pneumothorax: Classification, Clinical Features and Emergency Management
Practice questions on Pleura
Which immunohistochemical marker is most useful in distinguishing malignant mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma to the pleura?
- CK7
- CK20
- WT-1
- TTF-1
Answer: C. WT-1 (Wilms tumor 1) is typically positive in malignant mesothelioma and negative in most metastatic adenocarcinomas. CK7 can be positive in both, CK20 is more characteristic of adenocarcinoma, and TTF-1 is typically positive in lung adenocarcinoma.
Which immunohistochemical marker distinguishes malignant mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma to the pleura?
- CK7
- CK20
- Calretinin
- TTF-1
Answer: C. Calretinin is a marker that is typically positive in malignant mesothelioma and negative in most metastatic adenocarcinomas to the pleura. CK7 is often positive in both, CK20 and TTF-1 are more typically associated with adenocarcinomas, particularly those of the lung or gastrointestinal tract.
Which immunohistochemical marker distinguishes malignant mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma to the pleura?
- CK7
- CK20
- WT1
- TTF-1
Answer: C. WT1 (Wilms Tumor 1) is a sensitive and specific marker for mesothelioma. CK7 can be positive in both. CK20 and TTF-1 are typically more associated with adenocarcinomas, particularly from the lung or GI tract.
Which immunohistochemical marker is most useful in distinguishing malignant mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma to the pleura?
- CK7
- TTF-1
- Calretinin
- CEA
Answer: C. Calretinin is a marker that is typically positive in malignant mesothelioma and negative in metastatic adenocarcinoma. CK7 and TTF-1 are often positive in lung adenocarcinomas. CEA can be positive in both.
Which immunohistochemical marker distinguishes malignant mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma to the pleura?
- CK7
- TTF-1
- WT1
- CEA
Answer: C. WT1 is a transcription factor that is typically positive in malignant mesothelioma and negative in metastatic adenocarcinomas. CK7 is often positive in both, TTF-1 is more specific for lung adenocarcinoma, and CEA can be positive in both but is less specific.
Which immunohistochemical marker distinguishes malignant mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma to the pleura?
- CK7
- TTF-1
- Calretinin
- CEA
Answer: C. Calretinin is a sensitive and specific marker for mesothelioma. CK7 and CEA are often positive in adenocarcinoma, and TTF-1 is typically positive in lung adenocarcinoma, making them less useful for distinguishing mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma.