Ultrasound-Guided Thoracentesis

Pleural effusions are an extremely common problem affecting approximately 1.5 million people in the United States each year. Over the last several years, the use of portable ultrasound machines has greatly enhanced the evaluation and management of patients with pleural disease. This article will review the relevant literature supporting the use of ultrasound for the evaluation of patients with pleural disease and address some practical practice management issues regarding ultrasonography.