MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Since lungs are mostly filled with air that we breathe in, percussion performed over most of the lung area produces a resonant sound, which is a low pitched, hollow sound. Therefore, any dullness or hyper-resonance is indicative of lung pathology, such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax, respectively.

Detailed explanation-2: -Dullness to percussion, decreased tactile fremitus, and asymmetrical chest expansion, with diminished or delayed expansion on the side of the effusion: These are the most reliable physical findings of pleural effusion.

Detailed explanation-3: -Dullness is typically considered an abnormal sound if elicited with percussion over the lungs or the intestines, stomach, or bladder. In this case, it could represent intestines that are filled with stool, indicating constipation, a bowel obstruction, or some sort of mass.

Detailed explanation-4: -In the case of pleural effusion, fluid accumulates in the pleural space. This fluid compresses the overlying lung parenchyma, making it more solid than usual. Due to this change, there is an alteration in the lung acoustics that preferentially transmits higher sound frequencies and gives rise to an egophony.

Detailed explanation-5: -A dull or flat sound suggests fluid in your lungs (pneumonia) or in the space between your lungs and chest wall (pleural effusion). It can also be a sign of a lung tumor. Hyperresonance suggests too much air around your lungs or in the lung tissue itself.