The value of inspiratory-expiratory lateral decubitus views in the diagnosis of small pleural effusions

Chest sonography versus lateral decubitus radiography in the diagnosis of small pleural effusions

“…3 Obtaining the radiograph during expiration was reported by Kocijančič et al 21 The amount of pleural fluid detectable in this manner has been assessed in cadaveric studies 15 and has been shown to be as little as 5 ml under experimental conditions. The volume of a pleural effusion estimated from thoracocentesis may be less reliable in clinical practice, however, because the pleural fluid may not always be completely aspirated.…”

“…It was interesting that the main indication of the smallest effusions on both sonography and radiography 21 was the changing shape of the fluid collection between inspiration and expiration. Obviously, a thicker fluid layer, as is usually seen in expiration, facilitates the diagnosis (Figure 2).…”

“…After having undergone abdominal sonography, each patient was placed in the lateral decubitus position for 5 minutes; sonography of the lower pleural space was performed with the patient leaning on his or her elbow 21 ( Figure 1). An SSA-340A ultrasound scanner (Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan) with a 3-6-MHz convex-array transducer was used.…”

“…Exposures were taken during expiration, with the central beam aimed at the lateral chest wall and the patient rotated slightly (5-10°) backwards. 21 The radiographs were evaluated independently by 2 experienced radiologists who had no knowledge of the sonographic findings.…”

Role of Lateral Decubitus Chest Radiograph in Detecting Mild Pleural Effusion and Its Correlation With Thoracic Usg

“…but not more than 15 mm of fluid layer thicknesses having horizontal upper border in the dependent lateral chest wall. Kocijancic et al 15 found that LDV in expiration increases the sensitivity of this method. This technique is helpful to diagnose small pleural effusion and to recognize artifacts e.g.…”