The accuracy of pleural ultrasonography in diagnosing complicated parapneumonic pleural effusions.
We compared the accuracy of pleural ultrasound versus chest CT versus chest radiograph (CXR) to determine radiographic complexity in predicting a complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE) defined by pleural fluid analysis. 66 patients with parapneumonic effusions were identified with complete data. Pleural ultrasound had a sensitivity of 69.2% (95% CI 48.2% to 85.7%) and specificity of 90.0% (95% CI 76.3% to 97.2%). Chest CT had a sensitivity of 76.9% (95% CI 56.3% to 91.0%) and specificity of 65.0% (95% CI 48.3% to 79.4%). CXR had a sensitivity of 61.5% (95% CI 40.6% to 79.8%) and specificity of 60.0% (95% CI 43.3% to 75.1%). Pleural ultrasound appears to be a superior modality to rule in a CPPE when compared with chest CT and CXR.
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Philip Z
PZ
Svigals
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA.
Amit
A
Chopra
Division of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
James G
JG
Ravenel
Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Paul J
PJ
Nietert
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
John T
JT
Huggins
D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
Imaging/CT MRI etc; Pleural Disease; Pneumonia