[Potentialities and limitations of sonographic diagnosis of the chest in childhood].

The advantages and limitations of the sonographic examination of the chest in 16 children are described. Partial opacification of the chest has been found in nine, a total "white" hemithorax in 7 children. Sonographic guided taps of the chest were performed in 3 children. Necessity, extent and yield of additional radiological examinations, especially computed tomography of the thorax, are discussed in detail.