title: Accuracy of the physical examination in evaluating pleural effusion.
abstract: A careful physical examination is a valuable and noninvasive means of assessing pleural effusion and should be routinely performed in every patient in whom this condition is suspected. Although physical examination is less accurate than ultrasonography or computed tomography in detecting a pleural effusion, the sensitivity and specificity of the different physical signs of pleural effusion may be comparable to those of conventional chest radiography.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Diaz-Guzman
authors.forename: Marie M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Budev
mesh_terms: D001314:Auscultation; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D010173:Palpation; D010474:Percussion; D010808:Physical Examination; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors