[Abdominal echotomography in a pneumology department]

In the last years, echotomography has become an essential element in the diagnosis of a number of diseases. In pleuro-pulmonary pathology, echotomography is also valuable for diagnosing pleural diseases and in some pathological conditions affecting at the same time thorax and abdomen. Echotomography of the abdomen is advised in a number of cases. The diaphragm and regions above and below it should be tested when there are deformations of the cupolae and radiological images in the pulmonary bases. Liver is investigated to trace any possible hepatic localization of broncho-pulmonary cancers or any chest hydatidosis. Echographic investigation of pancreas is advisable when a tumour of glandular origin is diagnosed. For patients with mesotheliomas, it should be associated to a retro-peritoneal investigation.