Pleural cavity ultrasound is an imaging examination that allows detection of diseases affecting the lungs and pleura, such as exudative pleuritis, pneumothorax, tumors, pleural effusion, and other pathological changes. This method is non-invasive, safe, and effective for diagnosing various conditions of the thoracic organs.
When is pleural cavity ultrasound indicated?
Pleural cavity ultrasound may be recommended in the following cases:
- Chest pain — sharp or dull pain, especially during breathing or coughing, which may indicate pleural or lung pathology.
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, potentially caused by fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity or pneumothorax.
- Coughing up blood or persistent dry cough, which may be associated with inflammatory or neoplastic processes.
- Suspicion of exudative pleuritis — inflammation of the pleura accompanied by fluid accumulation between its layers.
- Monitoring of patients after lung or pleural surgery, as well as in chronic pulmonary diseases.
- Suspicion of lung or pleural cancer, when evaluation of pleural fluid or masses is required.
Advantages of pleural cavity ultrasound
- Safety — ultrasound does not involve ionizing radiation, making it a safe diagnostic method.
- Accuracy — enables precise detection of pleural effusion, as well as tumors, inflammatory changes, and other abnormalities.
- Painlessness — the procedure is comfortable and does not cause pain.
- Accessibility — pleural ultrasound is widely available and quick to perform (usually 10–15 minutes).
How is pleural cavity ultrasound performed?
During the examination, the patient may be seated or lying on their side. A special gel is applied to the chest wall to improve contact between the ultrasound transducer and the skin. The physician moves the transducer over the chest to examine the pleural cavity, lungs, and surrounding thoracic structures.
The examination assesses the presence of pleural fluid, as well as signs of inflammation, tumors, or damage to lung and pleural tissues. If necessary, additional imaging techniques may be used, such as echocardiography, to evaluate intrathoracic circulation.
Pleural cavity ultrasound is available in leading clinics in Belarus, where specialists perform high-quality examinations and provide individualized diagnostic conclusions and treatment recommendations.
