A 62-year-old man presents to the physician for a 3-month Hx of progressive shortness of breath on exertion. His BP is 160/90. CXR shows bilateral pleural effusions. Laboratory studies show:
Pleural fluid: glucose 75 mg/dL; protein 2 mg/dL; LDH 20 mg/dL
Serum: glucose 105 mg/dL; protein 6.5 mg/dL; LDH 40 mg/dL
Which of the following is the most likely cause of the pleural effusion?
Decreased lymphatic clearance
Decreased oncotic pressure
Increased hydrostatic pressure
Increased oncotic pressure
Increased vascular permeability
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Cut-to-the-chase Answer (0:53):
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HY USMLE Answer (7:23):
