[Is the routine chest radiography following thoracentesis necessary?].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the routine indication of chest roentgenogram after thoracentesis in function of iatrogenic pneumothorax causation, following a procedure protocol.


METHODS
Prospective study of 104 consecutive thoracentesis procedures performed in 76 patients. The procedure was protocolized and after each thoracentesis a chest roentgenogram was obtained within 6 hours after the procedure. The attending physician completed a questionnaire relative to patients data characteristics of the pleural effusion.


RESULTS
Two pneumothorax were noted following thoracentesis (2%) which did not require pleural drainage. These pneumothorax occurred in patients with parapneumonic pleural effusions.


CONCLUSIONS
The routine practice of chest roentgenogram after thoracentesis does not seem to be warranted and should be individualized. The performance of thoracentesis by physicians in training period, with procedure protocolization, minimizes the risk of pneumothorax.
Molina Hinojosa
J C
JC
Servicio de Medicina Interna. Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII. Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía. Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Tarragona. España.
Auguet Quintillá
T
T
Olona Cabases
M
M
Aguilar Bargalló
X
X
Veloso Esteban
S
S
Richart Jurado
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000628:therapy*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000592:standards*; D013907:Thoracostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards