Exudate differs from transudate in that exudate has a specific gravity > 1.020. The fundamental mechanism that produces exudate in acute inflammation is:

• A Increased hydrostatic pressure from venous obstruction
• B Decreased plasma oncotic pressure from hypoalbuminemia
• C Lymphatic obstruction preventing protein removal
• D Increased vascular permeability due to endothelial contraction and gap formation ✓

Explanation

Exudate formation in acute inflammation results from increased vascular permeability, primarily due to endothelial cell contraction (mediated by histamine, bradykinin, leukotrienes) creating intercellular gaps that allow protein-rich fluid to escape. This produces a protein-rich exudate with specific gravity >1.020. Transudate results from hydrostatic/oncotic imbalances without vascular permeability changes. Lymphatic obstruction causes lymphedema.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.