Applications of pleural ultrasound

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Resident Doctor Nguyen Van Anh - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
And Master, Doctor Le Hong Chien - Doctor of Diagnostic Imaging - Intervention - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital. The doctor has many years of experience working in the field of diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology (endovascular intervention and extravascular intervention).

1. What is pleural ultrasound?

Pleural ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves, places a transducer in the position of the lungs to record images of the pleural structure, and reproduces the images on the display screen. From the results obtained, the doctor will evaluate the amount of fluid in the pleura, the quality of the pleural fluid, determine the lesions on the pleura... diagnose the disease.
Ultrasonography of the pleura is an effective and safe test, using a compact device, which can be flexibly applied to many conditions, including severe cases. Pleural ultrasound can also be used with the elderly or young children. Can be done many times, not afraid of affecting health. The cost of pleural ultrasound is cheap, done quickly and conveniently. Therefore, pleural ultrasound is increasingly being used to diagnose and treat diseases.

2. When is the pleural ultrasound indicated?

Pleural ultrasound is indicated in the following cases:
Pleural ultrasound to detect and accurately identify lesions in the pleura

Pleural ultrasound to investigate the localized fluid in the diaphragm and the movement of the diaphragm Pleural ultrasound to determine the thickness of the pleura Pleural ultrasound to determine the tumor on the pleura, the tumor invading the chest wall Ultrasonography of the pleura pleural echocardiography is indicated when the patient has symptoms of suspected pleural effusion, especially when pleural effusion is suspected, hemothorax pleural ultrasound to detect and monitor the progression. of pleural effusion, supporting the treatment process. Pleural ultrasound guided puncture, pleural biopsy.

3. Procedure of pleural ultrasound

Depending on the specific situation, the location to be checked, during the pleural ultrasound, the patient may be asked to sit or lie down.
Patients with pleural ultrasound in the sitting position in case of checking for pathologies in the pleural position, chest wall, finding small amount of pleural effusion. In this position, the ultrasound transducer will be placed in the intercostal spaces. Patients with pleural ultrasound in the lying position in case the patient cannot sit needs to check the pleura at the posterior and lateral costal angle, evaluate the diaphragm and pleura through the liver...

Once the position is stabilized, the doctor will apply an ultrasound gel to the transducer site. The ultrasonic gel will help the transducer easily move, obtaining a sharper image.
Steps of pleural ultrasound:
The ultrasound probe is moved around the identified location, going from the top of the lung to the dome of the diaphragm. During the movement, the image of the internal structure of the body will be displayed immediately on the external screen. The doctor directly observes, if there are signs of damage, he will stop for specific examination, compare with the opposite side, the change of respiratory rhythms When the ultrasound probe moves to the middle of the membrane visceral lung and parietal pleura, if negative space is detected, the patient has pleural effusion. At that time, the doctor will use a 3.5MHz probe to determine the degree of pleural effusion. Pleural ultrasound plays a very important role in examination, diagnosis and treatment of pleural effusion. Pleural ultrasound does not cause harm to health, can be performed many times, gives high accuracy results, low cost, and quick implementation process. However, the results of pleural ultrasonography are highly dependent on the ultrasound device. Modern equipment will give sharper, more detailed and specific images. From there, it is easy to detect abnormal signs even at an early stage with very small manifestations.
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