The accuracy of pleural ultrasonography in diagnosing complicated parapneumonic pleural effusions. Issue 1 (9th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Svigals, Philip Z; Chopra, Amit; Ravenel, James G; Nietert, Paul J; Huggins, John T
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 72:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2016-09-09
• Subjects: Pleural Disease -- Imaging/CT MRI etc -- Pneumonia; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-208904
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : We compared the accuracy of pleural ultrasound versus chest CT versus chest radiograph (CXR) to determine radiographic complexity in predicting a complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE) defined by pleural fluid analysis. 66 patients with parapneumonic effusions were identified with complete data. Pleural ultrasound had a sensitivity of 69.2% (95% CI 48.2% to 85.7%) and specificity of 90.0% (95% CI 76.3% to 97.2%). Chest CT had a sensitivity of 76.9% (95% CI 56.3% to 91.0%) and specificity of 65.0% (95% CI 48.3% to 79.4%). CXR had a sensitivity of 61.5% (95% CI 40.6% to 79.8%) and specificity of 60.0% (95% CI 43.3% to 75.1%). Pleural ultrasound appears to be a superior modality to rule in a CPPE when compared with chest CT and CXR.