[Thoracic ultrasound].

Ultrasonography is the best imaging modality for detection of pleural effusions and the presence of septations, but is not accepted as a reliable diagnostic tool for other thoracic problems. However, the technique is useful for analysis of parietal lesions and pulmonary masses arising in the periphery of the lung. Biopsy of such lesions and drainage of pleural effusions are often easier under sonographic guidance than with CT. Because of its advantages, sonography should be used more often as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in thoracic imaging.