Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does "complete Whiteout Of A Lung Along With A Large Plural Effusion" Mean?
Question: what is complete whiteout of a lung along with a large plural effusion causing significant compressive affects of the left upper lobe and left lower lobe. Underlying pneumonias are also present. No pulmonary embolus.
Brief Answer:
White lung is due to huge pleural effusion.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to HCM
White lung may be due to many reasons. In your case it is due to huge pleural effusion.
Fluid appears white in X-rays. Huge pleural effusion(fluid) is causing compressive effects in your case. The fluid is causing compression of ipsilateral lung side. Therefore only fluid is visible in chest X-ray and the involved side appears white.
Effusion is due to underlying pneumonia.
You may need drainage of fluid. This depend upon clinical condition and you also need antibiotics for pneumonia. I would also rule out tuberculosis if you have history of travel, past or family histor of tuberculosis; your doctor will take the call.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
A thoracentesis was going to be performed but the INR levels are "off the chart"
high. What would bring these levels down quickly so that the thoracentsis could be performed. I am worried as it is causing compressive effects as you stated and I am having trouble with the warfarin making my feet feel sore and I am very very tired. Because this is a huge pleural effusion, you mentioned it could be putting much pressure on my heart and especially the left lung. I am extremely worried that I may have a heart attack or not get over my pneumonia. My doctor does not have me on any antibiotics and I don't know why. Am I in a serious medical
state?
Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back
INR is increased due to warfarin therapy.
It can be corrected by withholding warfarin for time being,Vitamin K1 injection and plasma transfusion.
You shouldn't be so worried.Immediate concern is to release compressed lung by taking out fluid from the pleural cavity.
There is no need to be so worried about lung compression.It will re-expand after drainage of fluid.Physiotherapy will be helpful in re-expansion.
You will be given antibiotics after fluid drainage.
Your condition is not very serious.It can be managed easily.
You will not have heart attack due to pleural effusion.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
