[Real-time B-scan ultrasonic evaluation of pleural effusion and intrathoracic masses adjacent to the pleura (author's transl)].

106 pleural effusions or pleural opacities suggesting fluid were evaluated in a prospective study by B-mode real-life sonography and radiography. 41 cases were first investigated by means of ultrasound, 65 by the conventional erect roentgenogram. The correct diagnosis of pleural fluid was made by ultrasound in 95.3% and by radiologic examination in 86.8% of the cases. Radiography failed to distinguish between pleural effusion and solid pleural thickening in 7.5%, sonography in 1.9% of the cases. In 8 patients with normal roentgenograms, small epidiaphragmal pleural effusions were detected by means of ultrasound. In diagnosis of pleural effusion, sonography was found to be superior to the conventional radiologic technique both in sensitivity and in diagnosing the consistency. The value of the ultrasonic method both in establishing the quality of intrathoracic masses adjacent to the pleura and in sonographically guided needle puncture is emphasized.