Ultrasound imaging of pneumonia.
One hundred forty-three consecutive patients with clinically and radiologically confirmed pneumonia were examined by ultrasound. In 127 cases (88.8%), a consolidation could be visualised in the sonogram. Eight patients (5.6%) had a pleural effusion only. The remaining eight (5.6%) had no pathological findings. The characteristic features of pneumonia were a hypoechoic consolidation with numerous small hyperechoic structures (112 patients, 88.1%) and a blurred margin. In eight cases abscess formation could be detected and treated by ultrasound-guided drainage. We conclude that sonography can visualise pneumonic consolidations in a high percentage, and gives additional information concerning the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of pneumonia.
Gehmacher
O
O
Department of Internal Medicine, City Hospital of Hohenems, Austria.
Mathis
G
G
Kopf
A
A
Scheier
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008169:Lung Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011677:Punctures; D011859:Radiography; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional