Pathophysiology I - Pulmonology Part 1

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to pulmonology, focusing on pathophysiological conditions of the pleura and pneumothorax.

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)

A paraneoplastic syndrome related to Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), characterized by autoantibodies that affect presynaptic Ca2+ channels, leading to muscle weakness.

Pleurisy

Inflammation of the pleura causing sharp pain during breathing.

Pleural effusion

Excess fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

Pneumothorax

Presence of air or gas in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse.

Hemothorax

Buildup of blood in the pleural space.

Visceral pleura

The inner layer of pleura that wraps around the lungs and cannot be separated from them.

Parietal pleura

The outer layer of pleura that lines the inside of the chest wall.

Pleural cavity

The thin space between the visceral and parietal pleura, containing pleural fluid.

Pleural fluid

Liquid that lubricates the pleural cavity allowing smooth movement of the pleura during breathing.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors that are present in the parietal pleura but absent in the visceral pleura.

Light's criteria

A set of criteria used to determine whether fluid in the pleural space is exudate or transudate.

Transudate

Fluid that accumulates in the pleural space due to imbalances in pressure, often with low protein content.

Exudate

Fluid that accumulates in the pleural space due to inflammation or infection, often with high protein content.

Tension pneumothorax

A type of pneumothorax where air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, leading to increased pressure and lung collapse.

Mesothelioma

A type of cancer arising from pleural mesothelial cells, often associated with asbestos exposure.

Pleural effusion due to nephrotic syndrome

Accumulation of fluid due to significant protein loss in urine, leading to decreased oncotic pressure.

Pleural effusion due to CHF

Fluid accumulation resulting from heart failure, leading to increased pressure in pulmonary circulation.

Pneumomediastinum

Presence of air in the mediastinum, typically due to rupture of air-filled structures in the lung.

Subcutaneous emphysema

Air trapped in subcutaneous tissue, often due to ruptured alveoli or trauma.

Blebs

Small air-filled blisters on the lung surface, which can rupture and lead to pneumothorax.

Risk factors for pneumothorax

Includes history of smoking, tall stature, underlying lung disease, and activities that increase intrathoracic pressure.

Bleb rupture

A sudden tear in subpleural blebs leading to air escaping into the pleural space.

Hyperresonance on percussion

A physical exam finding indicating the presence of air in the pleural space, characteristic of pneumothorax.

Needle decompression

A treatment procedure for tension pneumothorax, performed by inserting a needle into the pleural space to release trapped air.