Ultrasound findings following failed, clinically directed thoracenteses

✍ Scribed by Jeffry P. Weingardt; Rogelio R. Guico; Albert A. Nemcek Jr.; Yuk-Pui Li; Stephen T. Chiu

• Book ID: 102888700
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1994
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 951 KB
• Volume: 22
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0091-2751
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.1870220702

✦ Synopsis

We prospectively examined 26 patients who were referred for ultrasoundguided thoracentesis, following at least one unsuccessful, clinically guided attempt. Sonographically guided thoracentesis was successful in obtaining fluid in 88% of patients. In addition, ultrasonography proved useful in suggesting or defining the cause for the initial unsuccessful attempt. Patients who have undergone an unsuccessful clinically guided thoracentesis and are referred for sonographic assistance represent a selected group who may have complicating factors not typically present during routine thoracentesis. Awareness of these potential complicating factors may facilitate the performance of ultrasound-guided thoracenteses.