Volume of Pleural Effusion Measured by Ultrasound and Tomography: Are there Differences?
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Abstract
Introduction: Pleural effusion (DP) is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. Computed tomography (TAC) is considered the standard for its quantification; however, lung ultrasound (USP) is presented as a viable alternative.
Objective: To compare the measurement of DP volume obtained by USP and CT in hemodynamically stable patients without mechanical ventilation.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study was performed in 24 patients at Hospital Militar Central No. 1 of La Paz, Bolivia. DP volume was evaluated with Balik technique for USP and the Hazlinger technique for TAC. Correlation and concordance between both methods was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test and Bland-Altman diagram.
Results: Mean age was 60.08 years, with a male predominance (66.7%). Systemic arterial hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (50.0%), bacterial pneumonia was the main etiology (50.0%). The mean DP volume measured with USP was 861.8 mL and the mean volume measured with CT was 697 mL. Pearson's correlation revealed a significant correlation (p < 0.001), with a high positive correlation (r = 0.796), however, Bland-Altman analysis indicated a lack of perfect agreement.
Conclusion: The Balik technique by LUS is reliable for estimating DP volume in hemodynamically stable patients without mechanical ventilation.
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