Fluidothorax (internal propadeutics)

This is the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity.

Fluid distribution is affected by gravity and lung elasticity. The greatest elasticity is between the scapular and anterior axillary line, so we most often find the most effusions there. Due to gravity, the fluid is mainly at the costophrenic angle.

Types of fluid

 * exudate - the shape of a parabola with an apex in the axilla, the line descends towards the sternum and the spine - Damoiseau line
 * transudate
 * pus - empyema
 * blood - hemothorax
 * chylothorax

View

 * expansio hemithoracis - stretching of the middle of the chest, visible in thin people
 * minor breathing movements

Percussion

 * darkened to dark
 * the upper limit is usually not sharp - a consequence of the gradual loss of fluid in the cranial direction
 * above the upper limit - drum - Škoda's percussion tone

Listening

 * weakened above the effusion, almost inaudible above the pools
 * at the upper limit of the effusion compressive
 * fremitus and bronchophony - weakened to disappeared

We are physically able to demonstrate fluidothorax up to a volume of 200-400 ml.

See the Fluidothorax page for more information .

related articles

 * Examination of the chest from the point of view of a pulmonologist
 * Basic lung syndromes
 * Pleural effusion