Pleural fluid favors exudate if meet one of the following, Light's Criteria
pH < 7.1 or glucose < 50 suggest empyema
| Exudative | Transudative |
|---|---|
|
Exudative Malignancy ARDS Meigs syndrome Pancreatitis Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis Granulomatosis with polyangiitis Lupus Lung abscess Chylothorax Sarcoidosis Hypothyroidism |
Transudative Heart failure Atelectasis CSF leak into pleural space Hepatic hydrothorax Hypoalbuminemia Nephrotic syndrome Peritoneal dialysis Urinothorax |