[Sonography of the lungs and pleura]

Diagnoses were made by ultrasound in 73 out of 80 cases with unclear thorax x-ray. One case was misinterpreted, no diagnoses were possible in 6 cases. Pleural effusion or opacities reaching the pleura are necessary to perform ultrasound examination. Sonographic findings in pleural or pulmonary changes are discussed and correlated with pathological anatomical findings. Additional information can be obtained by sonography in pleural lesions and in pulmonary lesions masked by pleural effusion. Atelectases can be differentiated from pneumonia, and tumours can be identified in peritumorous pneumonia or atelectases.