Transthoracic ultrasound.
Sonography (US) has inherent limitations for thoracic imaging because sound waves are reflected by bone and air space (such as in lung parenchyma). However, US is less expensive and more convenient than computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); it provides immediate information with real-time imaging, and can give information not available from a standard radiograph. This review describes the utility and limitations of US and compares US with radiography.
Herth
F J F
FJ
Department of Oncology and Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, Thoraxklinik-Heidelberg gGmbH, Heidelberg, Germany. f@herth.net
Becker
H D
HD
D016638:Critical Illness; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010994:Pleura / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011677:Punctures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography