A PRACTICAL METHOD FOR QUANTIFICATION OF PLEURAL EFFUSION BY USG.

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Swish Kumar Singh,
C/o. Paras Nath Prasad Singh,
71/B Shivalik Apartment, New Patliputra Colony,
Patna-800013, Bihar.
E-mail: swish_pmch@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to find a correlation between pleural separation and amount of aspirated effusion.

METHODS

Total 20 adult patients with 25 effusions were taken into the study with chest x-ray showing homogeneous opacity in either one or both of the lung field, which was confirmed on USG. Only uncomplicated pleural effusion were taken into study. Effusion with septations or encysted effusion or pyothorax were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

The separation between two pleura was measured in millimeters and aspirated effusion in milliliters. A positive correlation was noted between these two measurements and relationship is given by a simplified equation.

CONCLUSION

By using this simple equation, we can quantify the pleural fluid quickly in day-to-day practice as well as ICU setting, which can be a useful guide for planning and management for aspiration.

CONSENT

As all the patients were adult and fully conscious, informed consent was taken from all of them.

KEYWORDS

Pleural Effusion, Aspiration.