Transthoracic ultrasound as an assessment tool for pleural effusion, pleural adhesion, and pleural thickening in patients undergoing thoracoscopy.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the transthoracic ultrasonography (US) for pleural adhesions and pleural thickening and to quantify pleural effusion by standardised sonographic techniques and its comparison with thoracoscopic findings. An assessment of the association between pleural thickness and pleural nodularity with histopathological examination findings was also attempted.

Material and methods: Thirty-one patients with suspected chest pathologies were initially assessed by transthoracic US followed by videothoracospy. Findings observed were noted and appropriately analysed statistically.

Results: Transthoracic US is 100% sensitive and specific for detecting pleural septations in the presence of pleural effusion with 100% accuracy. Gliding sign is a highly sensitive and specific sign to detect the pleural septations in absence of pleural effusion. There was no significant association of thickness of pleural septation with the pleural malignancy.

Conclusions: Transthoracic US plays an important role in the quantification of pleural effusion, assessment of the pleura and pleural space for pleural adhesion, pleural thickening, and guiding trocar insertion.