Common findings of thoracic ultrasound performed by respiratory specialists

Abstract

Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is increasingly considered an important investigational technique for the respiratory physicians.  For this reason, the use of thoracic ultrasound (TUS) in the UK has become a part of the clinical practice.  In this report we describe our experience in performing thoracic ultrasound by respiratory specialists for clinical use.

Methods: Retrospective review of findings of the thoracic ultrasound performed by respiratory specialists. 

Results: Overall thoracic ultrasonography findings were analysed form 1159 patients.  Pleural effusion was the most common characteristic identified on thoracic ultrasound reported in 999 (86.2%) of cases.  Malignancy was the most common aetiology for pleural effusion found in 44.9% cases.  The other aetiology of pleural effusion included infection reported in 25.5% of cases with inflammatory or trauma reported in 9.9% cases, cardiac causes in 7.1% of cases.  The other less common aetiologies of pleural effusion reported on thoracic ultrasound included asbestos pleural disease (3.9%), post-CABG (1.7%), liver disease (1.6%), renal disease (1.1%), idiopathic (1.2%) and miscellaneous (1.1%).  In 21 (2.1%) cases, more than one underlying disease was identified as a possible aetiology for the pleural effusion. 

Conclusions: This report supports the use of thoracic ultrasound by respiratory specialists and describes the range of conditions for which there was a clinical application of thoracic ultrasound.  The use of thoracic ultrasound remains an important skill for respiratory specialists and will remain an important tool for managing patients with pleural disorders.