[Ultrasonic diagnosis of pleural shadows compared to computer tomography]

Sonography was performed in 40 patients with pleural shadowing of uncertain origin in order to complement conventional x-ray examination. Where the findings were not clear-cut, computer tomography was performed subsequently and the diagnosis ascertained by biopsy or operation. Fluid-containing pleural lesions, such as encysted effusions and empyemas, pericardial cysts and one echinococcus cyst were identified by sonography from their appearance and biopsy was performed; computer tomography adds little additional information in these conditions. Solid pleural masses, on the other hand, can be more accurately defined by computer tomography. This shows the entire pleura, including small areas of calcification. Density measurements are able to differentiate various tissues, and particularly fat.