[Diagnosis of pleural effusion using sector sonography in childhood]

Sectorsonographic examination was performed in 17 patients with pleural effusion after heart surgery (n = 15) and during bacterial pneumonia (n = 2). When pleural effusion could be diagnosed by chest roentgenogram, it was identified by ultrasound in every patient. On the other hand, it was possible to recognize pleural effusion by ultrasound in 6 patients in whom chest roentgenogram was equivocal or failed the diagnosis. Neither chest roentgenogram nor ultrasound allowed the differentiation between transsudate, exsudate, chylus, and blood in the pleural space. However, localization and mobility of the diaphragm as well as concomitant pericardial effusion and/or ascites can be identified by ultrasound. Sonographic examination, an easily repeatable harmless method without radiation exposure should be performed in pediatric patients whenever pleural effusion is suspected.