title: Thoracocentesis of loculated pleural effusions using grey scale ultrasonic guidance.
abstract: Six patients with either malignant pleural effusion or empyema, in whom multiple conventional attempts at thoracocentesis were unsuccessful, were evaluated by ultrasound. In each case, a subsequent thoracocentesis guided by ultrasound produced sufficient fluid to enable a diagnosis to be established. In no case was pneumothorax produced.
mesh_terms: D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000601:surgery*; D011677:Punctures / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography