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Tuberculous pleural effusions: ultrasonic diagnosis
O Akhan1, F B Demirkazik, M N Ozmen
1Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy. It effectively identified pleural thickening and characteristic nodularity in most patients with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tuberculous pleurisy is a significant extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of ultrasonography in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusions.
- To identify sonographic features indicative of tuberculous pleurisy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 20 patients diagnosed with tuberculous pleural effusions.
- Detailed ultrasonographic examination of pleural abnormalities.
- Comparison with computed tomography findings in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonography revealed regular pleural thickening (<1 cm) in 18 patients.
- Pleural nodularity was observed in 2 patients, a potential diagnostic sign.
- Multiple mobile septations within effusions were noted in 18 patients, forming a lattice-like pattern in 6.
- Computed tomography confirmed pleural thickening in 6 out of 7 examined patients.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a highly useful imaging modality for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy.
- Specific findings like pleural nodularity and septations aid in identifying tuberculous etiology.
- Sonographic evaluation can guide further diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.