The accuracy of chest sonography in the diagnosis of small pleural effusionKocijančič, Igor (Avtor) Background. The aim of the stndy was to evaluate the accuracy of chest sonography in the radiological diagnosis of small pleural effusions. Patients and methods. Patients referred for abdominal and/or chest sonographies for various reasons were examined for sonographic features of pleural effusion. From January 1997 till January 2000, 69 patients were included into the study.Fifty-two patients were found to have pleural effusion not exceeding 15 mm in depth, the rest of them served as controls. Subsequently erect posteroanterior and expiratory lateral decubitus projections were done in all patients. Results. Compared to radiologicai examination chest sonography had apositive predictive value of 92% in the diagnosis of small pleural effusions in our study population. The mean thickness of fluid was 9.2 mrn on ultrasonography and 7.6 mm on expiratory lateral decubitus views (P<0.01). Conclusions. Chest sonography showed a high degree of accuracy for demonstrating small pleural effusions and could repIace lateral decubitus chest radiographs adequately.Association of Radiology and Oncology20032024-02-06 09:17:43Neznano18100UDK: 616.2ISSN pri članku: 1318-2099COBISS_ID: 16231897Ljubljanaslby Authors