Ultrasound findings following failed, clinically directed thoracenteses.
We prospectively examined 26 patients who were referred for ultrasound-guided thoracentesis, following at least one unsuccessful, clinically guided attempt. Sonographically guided thoracentesis was successful in obtaining fluid in 88% of patients. In addition, ultrasonography proved useful in suggesting or defining the cause for the initial unsuccessful attempt. Patients who have undergone an unsuccessful clinically guided thoracentesis and are referred for sonographic assistance represent a selected group who may have complicating factors not typically present during routine thoracentesis. Awareness of these potential complicating factors may facilitate the performance of ultrasound-guided thoracenteses.
Department of Radiology, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
J P
JP
Weingardt
R R
RR
Guico
A A
AA
Nemcek
Y P
YP
Li
S T
ST
Chiu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014463:Ultrasonography