Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate validity of transthoracic ultrasonography in diagnosis and evaluation of the results of initial surgical therapy of acute pleural empyema. Patients and methods: The study included 77 patients with II stage acute pleural empyema. Initial surgical tretament was indicated according to CT and transthoracic ultrasonography findings. Evaluation of initial therapy results has been made by transthoracic ultrasonography (TUS). Results: Chest drainage was initial treatment in 14 (18.2%) patients, thoracentesis in 63 (81.8%). Complete cure with this two methods was achieved in 38 (49.3%) patients. In 39 (51.6%) patients initial treatment failed. Regardin to sonographic finding of pleural empyema, TUS was sufficient for adequate estimate of initial treatment results in 62 (80.5%). Additional CT was indicated in 15 (19.4%) patients. Conclussions: Transthoracic ultrasonography has impotrant role in choice of initial surgical therapy of acute pleural empyema. If initial estimate of therapy results is made by TUS, CT is rarely necessary.
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Schedule a callMore From: Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
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