[Clinical significance of ultrasonography in detecting pleural effusion]

159 cases of pleural effusion due to various pathogenic factor are presented. 80 patients with tuberculous pleural fluid were examined by both ultrasonography and radiography, of which 30 cases were explored with B-mode and A-mode ultrasonography. Though the result of thoracentesis it was showed that the sensitivity of B-mode ultrasonography was apparently higher than those of A-mode and X-ray. We feel that B-mode ultrasonograph has a particular diagnostic value of identifying multilocular pleural effusion, small amount, encapsuled effusion and thickened pleura with small amount of fluid. Mean time, it can give a clear view and a quick measurement of thickness of the pleura.