Ultrasound最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of lung ultrasound findings in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and lobar pneumonia: a case-control study.","authors":"Uma Devaraj, Priya Ramachandran, Kavitha Venkatnarayan, Chitra Veluthat, Uma Maheswari K","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1820","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1820","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Background:</b> The utility of Lung ultrasound (LUS) in the diagnosis of respiratory disorders has evolved in the recent past. <b>Aim and objectives:</b> To describe the ultrasound features of newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis infection and compare them to the ultrasound features of pneumonia. To compare the LUS findings with chest Xray findings. <b>Method:</b> Subjects 18 to 65 years of age and recently diagnosed with tuberculosis or pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital underwent ultrasound evaluation after written informed consent. <b>Results:</b> A total of 96 subjects with 64 microbiologically confirmed TB and 32 pneumonia patients were included. The mean age of the study subjects was 46.78± 15.75 years and the majority were males(64.6%). LUS showed focal interstitial pattern, cavity, and irregular pleura in TB patients that were significantly different (p-value= <0.001)from the findings of air bronchogram and/or shred sign seen in patients with pneumonia (Table1). The time taken to complete LUS ranged from 3 to 6 minutes. The overall sensitivity of USG against X-ray was 88.6% and specificity was 0. <b>Discussion:</b> The composite findings of focal interstitial pattern, cavity, and irregular pleura seen in TB patients were significantly different from the findings of air bronchogram and/or shred sign seen in patients with pneumonia. The LUS and CXR findings were concordant in more than 73% of both pneumonia and TB patients. LUS demonstrated abnormalities in 20.3%&nbsp; of TB patients whose CXR had no demonstrable opacities. <b>Conclusion:</b> LUS is a valuable tool to detect both TB and pneumonia and can discriminate between the two conditions.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"2016 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136200487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation Of Atherosclerosis As A Risk Factor in COPD Patients By Measuring The Carotis Tunica Intima-Media Thickness.","authors":"Ali Firincioglulari, Hakan Ertürk, Mujgan Firincioglulari, Cigdem Biber","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1832","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1832","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Purpose</b>: This study aimed to evaluate atherosclerosis as comorbidity by measuring the carotid (bulb and common carotid artery) tunica intima-media thickness in COPD- diagnosed patients and to evaluate the relationship of atherosclerosis with the prevelance of COPD,hypoxemia and hypercapnia. <b>Methods:</b>&nbsp;This study was conducted out between&nbsp;January 2019-December 2019 consisting of a total of 140 participants (70 COPD-diagnosed patients-70 healthy individuals). The COPD-diagnosed patients have been planne according to the selection and diagnosis criteria as per the GOLD 2019 guide. It is planned to evaluate as per prospective matching case-control study of the carotd thickness, radial gas analysis, spirometric and demographic characteristics of COPD diagnosed patients and healthy individuals. <b>Results:</b>&nbsp;The average CCA tunica intima-media thickness in COPD patients was 0.8746&nbsp;± 0.161, and the thickness of the carotid bulb was 1.04±0.150. In the control group, the average CCA tunica intima-media thickness was 0.6650±0.139, and the thickness of the carotid bulb was 0.8250±0.15. For the carotid thickness that has increased in COPD diagnosed patients a significant relationship is determined between hypoxemia and hypercapnia.The CIMT was high in COPD patients with hypoxemia and hypercapnia. <b>Conclusion:</b> Significant difference was determşnes between the severity (grades) of COPD (mild, moderate, severe, very severe) in carotid thickness. Also,CIMT was found to be high in patients who is in the early phases of the prevalence of COPD. In COPD-diagnosed patients, it was determined that severity of COPD, hypoxemia, hypercapnia and age were determining factors of atherosclerosis.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136200723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"US training system for ultrasound-guided thoracic interventions","authors":"Ana Belén Llanos Gonzalez, Natalia Arteaga-Marrero, Enrique Villa, Orlando Acosta Fernández, Juan Bautista Ruiz-Alzola, Javier González-Fernández","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1823","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1823","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Introduction:</b>&nbsp;A training system for ultrasound-guided thoracic interventions was developed. The system was designed for a core needle biopsy (CNB) procedure in combination to a custom, pseudo-anthropomorphic lung phantom. <b>Methods:</b>&nbsp;A dedicated phantom was fabricated (Arteaga-Marrero et al. Gels 2023;9:74) to accurately replicate the healthy lung parenchyma as well as pathologies, like abscesses and neoplasms, as solid inclusions. 3D printed ribs were included to provide realism and a higher level of difficulty. The ultrasound (US) training system employed an optical tracking system (OptiTrack V120), a portable US device (Telemed MicrUs EXT-1H L12 Probe),a biopsy needle (Bard 22mm), and other tools required for calibration. The fixtures to allocate the optical trackers were 3D printed. In addition to the 3D models of the system’s components, a virtual and reconstructed model of each phantom was generated. The integration of the system was carried out using Plus Toolkit and the image computing platform 3D Slicer. The training system was complemented with a custom extension implemented in Python. <b>Results:</b> The capabilities of the system were tested by an experienced pulmonologist and medical students training in US-guided interventions. In-plane and out-of-plane needle insertions were performed simulating CNB procedures which are often employed in a clinical setting. Subsequently, the system provided a quantitative report that indicated the level of success of the procedure carried out. <b>Conclusion:</b>&nbsp;Technical considerations and acquired expertise are required to ensure patient safety. Thus, the presented system is dedicated to aid clinical practitioners to be trained in US-guided interventional thoracic procedures.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136195379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A retrospective review of the sonographic features of rheumatoid pleuritis.","authors":"Hui Guo, Zin Sein, Beenish Iqbal, Dinesh Addala, Anand Sundaralingam, Poppy Denniston, Najib Rahman","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1827","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1827","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Introduction:</b> Pleural involvement is well recognised in rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the now established role of physician-led thoracic ultrasound in pleural disease, there remains a paucity of research into characterising the sonographic features of rheumatoid pleuritis. <b>Aim:</b> To examine the sonographic appearance of established rheumatoid effusions. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective analysis was performed for all rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent thoracic ultrasound, with or without intervention, at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, from July 2015 to January 2023. <b>Results:</b> Sixteen patients of median age 65 years underwent 31 episodes of thoracic ultrasound and 25 pleural procedures. Half of the patients were male; 11 (81%) were seropositive, 5 (31%) manifested with rheumatoid-related parenchymal changes. In 16 (52%) instances of thoracic ultrasound, the effusion was moderate in size, measuring 2-3 rib spaces. Median maximal depth of effusion was 7.5 cm. In 28 (90%) instances, the fluid was echogenic. In 18 (58%), there were no septations. Pleural thickening was examined for in 11 (35%) instances and measured in 1 (3%). Fluid analyses yielded exclusive exudates, with median protein 42 g/L, median glucose 3.35 mmol/L and median LDH 1146 IU/L. <b>Conclusion:</b> Most rheumatoid effusions referred to a pleural service were moderately sized, non-septated and echogenic, yielding inflammatory exudates. Pleural thickening was not routinely screened for or measured on ultrasound. This highlights the important need for developing a systematic sonographic approach to characterising rheumatoid pleuritis, and in depth assessments of patients in rheumatoid clinics for earlier signs of pleural disease.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136201259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Difference in strain elastosonography between benign and malignant peripheral lung lesions","authors":"Mona Saeed El-Houshy, Essam Gouda Hassanein, Ayman Ibrahim Baess, Rania Ahmad Sweed, Doaa Mokhtar Emara, Ahmed Farag Abouelnour","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1826","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1826","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Objective:</b> To obtain a cut off value strain ratio using strain elastography (SE) to distinguish between benign and malignant peripheral lung lesions. <b>Methods:</b> We recruited 101 patients with peripheral lung lesions in cross-sectional study. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of a cut-off value, positive predicted value (PPV), and negative predicted value (NPV) are acquired at the end of the study. <b>Results:</b> We evaluated strain ratios done using strain elastography targeting reference region (Ref) vs region of interest (ROI) in patients who had already been diagnosed by biopsy, histological investigation, microbiological testing, or radiological imaging. In our study, a cut off value regarding strain ratio ≥ 1.75 is considered statistically significant as malignant lesion (p < 0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Using strain elastography, a peripheral parenchymal lung lesion can be classified as malignant based on the strain ratio. Table (1):Strain ratios in patients with benign and malignant lesions Table (2):Diagnostic performance for strain ratio to discriminate Malignant (n=59) from Benign (n =42)","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136194813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of Diaphragmatic Ultrasound to evaluate respiratory function in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis","authors":"Isabel Martínez González-Posada, Juan Cascón Hernández, Pablo Lozano Cuesta, Ramón Fernández Alvarez, Lucía García Alfonso, Francisco Julián López González, Miguel Ariza Prota, Inés Ruiz Álvarez, Ina Guerassimova, Ángela Lanza Martínez, Laura Martínez Vega, Juan Nieves Salceda, Laura Abad Chamorro, Eduardo Sanchez Vázquez, Patricia Álvarez Alvarez, Maria Rodil Riera","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1816","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1816","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Introduction:</b> Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) are commonly used to monitor respiratory function in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). However, these may be difficult to perform for patients with bulbar involvement or advanced stages of the disease. <b>Aim:</b> Our aim is to analyze the relationship between Diaphragmatic Ultrasound (DU) and PFT and to assess its utility to detect ventilatory failure and need for NIVM. <b>Methods:</b> We carried out a prospective study from January to November 2022 including ALS patients not under NIMV. They underwent a DU and PFT every 3 months. DU included: diaphragmatic excursion in sniff test (ExST) and deep breathing (ExDB); end-inhalation (IDT) and end-expiration (EDT) diaphragmatic thickness. Diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) was calculated. PFT included: FVC seated and decubitus, maximum inhalatory pressure (MIP) and arterial blood gas analysis (ABG). NIMV indication was also analyzed. <b>Results:</b> Ten patients were included. A strong correlation was found between FVC and both IDT (r= 0,89, p= 0,003) and ExDB (r=0,9, p= 0,014). Also between MIP and both IDT (r=0,95, p=0,004) and EDT (r=0,92, p=0,008). Regarding ABG, strong reverse correlation was found between Base Excess (BE) and HCO3-, and DTF (r=-0,81, p= 0,004), ExDB (r=-0,8, p= 0,016), ExST (r=-0,74, p=0,015) and IDT (r=0,76, p=0,011). HCO3- inversely correlates with ExDB (r=-0,79, p=0,021), IDT (r=-0,77, p=0,009), DTF (r=-0,75, p=0,012) and ExST (r=-0,72, p=0,019). 30% of patients were unable to complete PFT due to bulbar affection. <b>Conclusions:</b> There is a significant correlation between PFT, ABG (FVC, MIP, BE and HCO3-) and DU. DU is useful in patients unable to perform PFT.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"78 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136200490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Replacing fluoroscopy with ultrasound to evaluate diaphragm excursion? A method comparative study.","authors":"Søren Helbo Skaarup, Peter Juhl-Olsen, Brian Bridal Løgstrup","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1828","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1828","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Introduction:</b> The diaphragm is the most important respiratory muscle and dysfunction ultimately leads to respiratory failure. Numerous conditions may affect its function. Evaluation of diaphragm function is cumbersome. Fluoroscopy has been used in many years to measure excursion. Ultrasound can visualize diaphragm excursion and holds many advantages due to is portability and accessibility. However, correlation between fluoroscopy and ultrasound has never been studied. <b>Aims:</b> We aimed to compare fluoroscopy and ultrasound measures of diaphragm excursion to study if ultrasound can replace fluoroscopy. <b>Methods:</b> In patients with COPD or heart failure and in volunteers ultrasound and fluoroscopy was done simultaneously during sniff inspiration and in inspiratory capacity. Cranio-caudal excursion was measured om fluoroscopy recordings and compared directly to M-mode excursion, B-mode excursion, area change, resting thickness, thickening fraction and contraction velocity measured by ultrasound. <b>Results:</b> Forty-two participants were recruited. Pearson´s correlation between M-mode and fluoroscopy excursion was 0.61. The slope was 0.9 (90%CI 0.76 – 1.04) in a regression analysis. Using Bland-Altman method the bias was -0.39 cm (95%CI -1.04 – 0.26), p=0.24 with an error estimate on 3.8%. The correlations were lower during sniff inspiration the in inspiratory capacity breathing. <b>Conclusion:</b> Ultrasound has acceptable and low bias compared to fluoroscopy and can replace it as the primary tool to evaluate diaphragm excursion.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"42 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136200714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diaphragm sonography as an educational aid in CPAP and NIMV treatment","authors":"Angelo Longoni, Carla Bassino, Tiziana Cappelletti, Francesca Frassanito, Lorenza Fusetti, Giacomo Concas, Mariele Vago, Antonio Paddeu","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1822","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Background:</b> During the use of CPAP ( Continuos Positive Airway Pressure), with contained pressures, the excursion of the diaphragm tends to increase. Conversely during NIMV ( Non Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ), with the increase in pressure support, there is a decrease in work of breathing (WOB) and in diaphragm excursion. <b>Aims:</b> The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether diaphragm sonography could be a useful aid to promote adaptation during the ventilation of patients in CPAP or NIV who have difficulty on accepting this treatment. <b>Methods:</b> We studied the diaphragmatic excursion of 20 patients using a portable sonography with a convex probe from 1 to 5 MgHz. The patient9s position was generally supine at 45°. The probe was placed in the right subcostal position (the window of the liver is&nbsp; larger than that of the spleen).&nbsp;The patient breathes spontaneously and the machine record the excursion from the maximum inspiratory point to the lowest expiratory point. The monitor was turned towards the patient9s face so he can see what happens during each breath.Subsequently the patient was vented with nasal or oronasal mask and the measurement was remade during CPAP/NIMV ventilation. The modification, breath on breath, of the diaphragmatic excursions, seen by the patient live, facilitated the approach to the use of the ventilatory device. <b>Results:</b> All 20 patients evaluated with this method accepted more easily to use the ventilator device. <b>Conclusion:</b> The Diaphragm sonography can be an excellent,&nbsp;safe,&nbsp;fast, not expensive method to be performed, at the patient9s bed, to reinforce an respiratory educational program in patient9s with problem9s of adaptation to CPAP/NIMV ventilation.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136195397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of diagnostic yield and complications in ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis versus non-ultrasound guided thoracocentesis in a Level 3 Hospital","authors":"Niamh Boyle, Jack Mccarthy, Caitlyn Paclibar, Colm Quigley","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1833","url":null,"abstract":"Appropriate use of thoracic ultrasound (TUS) reduces the risk of iatrogenic complications from pleural procedures in comparison with unguided intervention(1). The ERS has introduced a TUS certification programme in order to improve thoracic ultrasound competency. This retrospective review compared ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis with non-ultrasound guided thoracocentesis in a level 3 hospital with regards to diagnostic yield and complication rate. Ultrasound-guided procedures were defined as being performed by trainees with ERS TUS certification. Thoracocentesis performed after being marked by radiology were defined as non-ultrasound guided. Chest radiograph was reviewed to determine pneumothorax rate. Lights criteria and pleural cytology were reviewed to determine diagnostic yield. 20 patients were reviewed; 10 who underwent thoracocentesis with TUS and 10 patients without TUS guidance. Pneumothorax occurred in 5 patients without TUS guidance compared with no occurrence when TUS was used. There was no occurrence of bleeding in either group. In the ultrasound group, pleural fluid was sent for light’s criteria and cytology in all cases. In the non-ultrasound group, pleural fluid was sent for light’s criteria in 70% of cases and cytology in 60%. This review highlights the importance of ultrasound competency training for trainees in reducing the risk of pneumothorax and improving the diagnostic yield for our patients. 1. McCracken DJ, Laursen CB, Barker G, Gleeson FV, Cullen KM, Rahman NM.&nbsp;Thoracic ultrasound competence for ultrasound-guided pleural procedures. European Respiratory Review. 2019;28(154):190090.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"37 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136200893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound with elastography in predicting malignant origin of pleural effusions in an emergency department","authors":"Rune Wiig, Casper Falster, Niels Jacobsen, Stefan Posth, August Emil Licht, Christian Laursen","doi":"10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1824","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.pa1824","url":null,"abstract":"<b>Aims:</b> Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool in the diagnostic work-up of dyspnea and can identify even small pleural effusions. Incorporating Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) represents a possible tool in stratifying pleural effusions by risk of underlying malignancy. No previous studies have been conducted in an emergency department (ED), where it might have a clinical impact by hastening referral for diagnostic work-up of underlying malignancy. The aim of this study was to appraise the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic findings associated with thoracic malignancy, as well as calculating optimal cut-off values for SWE in this regard. <b>Methods:</b> Patients with unilateral pleural effusion of unknown origin were included in the ED and subjected to a Focused Lung Ultrasound (FLUS) scan during their first 48 hours after admittance. Two index tests were applied: i) traditional 2D FLUS examination registering presence of diaphragmatic noduli, pleural thickenings and other findings associated with malignancy, and ii) a SWE examination of different Regions of Interest. Reference test was defined as subsequent diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in the three months following inclusion. <b>Results:</b> 39 patients were included. The 2D index test yielded a sensitivity of 28.57% (95%CI 3.67-70.96%) and a specificity of 90.62% (95%CI 74.98%-98.02%). The SWE max of intercostal space yielded a sensitivity of 100% (95%CI 47.82-100%) and a specificity of 59.09% (95%CI 36.35%-79.29%). <b>Conclusion:</b> FLUS with integrated SWE may aid in identifying MPE9s and improving referral to diagnostic work-up of underlying malignancy. Larger adequately powered studies are warranted.","PeriodicalId":23440,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasound","volume":"11 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136201157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}