Ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of pleural effusions. J Hosp Med 2015 Dec;10(12):811-6
Date
07/29/2015Pubmed ID
26218493Pubmed Central ID
PMC4715558DOI
10.1002/jhm.2434Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84954372995 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 170 CitationsAbstract
We review the literature on the use of point-of-care ultrasound to evaluate and manage pleural effusions. Point-of-care ultrasound is more sensitive than physical exam and chest radiography to detect pleural effusions, and avoids many negative aspects of computerized tomography. Additionally, point-of-care ultrasound can assess pleural fluid volume and character, revealing possible underlying pathologies and guiding management. Thoracentesis performed with ultrasound guidance has lower risk of pneumothorax and bleeding complications. Future research should focus on the clinical effectiveness of point-of-care ultrasound in the routine management of pleural effusions and how new technologies may expand its clinical utility.
Author List
Soni NJ, Franco R, Velez MI, Schnobrich D, Dancel R, Restrepo MI, Mayo PHMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Disease ManagementHumans
Pleural Effusion
Point-of-Care Systems
Ultrasonography
