Role of ultrasound in the management of pleural diseases in respiratory intensive care patients

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasonography (US) has become an invaluable tool in the management of critically ill patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the role of US in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural diseases in patients in the respiratory intensive care unit. Patients and methods: This study recruited 55 patients who presented with suspected clinical and/or radiological evidence of pleural disease in whom US and chest radiography were performed. In addition, US-guided interventions were carried out whenever needed and computed tomography scans of the chest where obtained whenever possible. Results: Pleural effusion was the most common pleural disease encountered (54.5%). US correctly predicted the nature of most pleural effusions, whether transudative or exudative (84%). US was significantly more sensitive than chest radiography in the diagnosis of pleural effusion and pleural thickening (P = 0.00 and 0.004, respectively) and had significantly better sensitivity for unilateral effusions and for septations compared with computed tomography (P = 0.004). There was almost perfect agreement between US results and the final diagnosis in all pleural diseases, with κ values ranging from 0.9 to 0.98. A total of 67 US-guided interventions were carried out, with a success rate of 94%, and only one (1.5%) complication was encountered in the form of partial pneumothorax. US affected the diagnosis and altered the treatment policy, with recorded favorable outcomes. Short-term training programs enable pulmonologists to acquire US examination skills after 30 examinations. Conclusion: US is an efficient and suitable method for evaluating pleural disease in the respiratory intensive care unit, especially pleural effusion. US-guided pleural interventions have been successful and have shown favorable outcomes and minimal complications. Short-term training could enable mastering of US use.