Experience in the use of ultrasound examination in diagnosis of acute pleural emphyema

Abstract

Introduction: The study aim was to investigate the possibility of using the pleural cavity ultrasonography in a complex of diagnostic measures in patients with acute pleural emphysema. Material and Methods: We studied the results of treatment in 38 patients with acute emphysema, which were examined by pleural cavity ultrasonography in a complex of diagnostic measures. All patients had unilateral localization of acute emphysema. The multichamber emphysema was observed in 12 cases. All patients had pleural puncture. Results: We used the combination of ultrasound examination of pleural cavity with radiological methods of diagnosis and CT in the dynamics in 26 patients. In 12 patients, the X-ray of the chest was performed only on the admission; further dynamic control of the pleural cavity was performed only by ultrasonography. This approach of dynamic diagnostics can reduce the radiation exposure of patients. Conclusions: 1. The pleural cavity ultrasonography is a highly informative diagnostic method in the complex diagnosis of acute pleural emphysema. Its use is demonstrated for determining the boundaries, structure, localization of encapsulation; determining the place of puncture of pleural cavity; for the differentiation of adhesive process and the free liquid in pleural cavity. 2. Combined application of X-ray and ultrasonography of pleural cavity increases the efficiency of diagnostic measures and reduces radiation exposure of patients. . 3. The use of ultrasonography is a promising method of diagnosis of acute pleural emphysema.