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Ultrasound findings following failed, clinically directed thoracenteses
Author(s) -
Weingardt Jeffry P.,
Guico Rogelio R.,
Nemcek Albert A.,
Li YukPui,
Chiu Stephen T.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of clinical ultrasound
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.272
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1097-0096
pISSN - 0091-2751
DOI - 10.1002/jcu.1870220702
Subject(s) - thoracentesis , medicine , ultrasound , ultrasonography , surgery , radiology , pleural effusion
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. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.