Diagnosis and Therapy of Liquid Collections Under Ultrasound Control

Purpose: We present our experience in the diagnosis, follow-up and planning therapy of thoracic, abdominal and retroperitoneal liquid collections in different emergency patients using conventional and interventional ultrasound. Material and Methods: The right and left oblique and poly positionning view was used in 235 patients (159 male and 76 female) for US examination to identify fluids in the thorax and peritoneal or retroperitoneal space. The examination was performed after the clinical survey with patients supine. Positive findings of US were compared with those provided by CT, punctures under US control or surgery. US machine supplied with linear and convex transducers, CT machine, needles and catheters were used. Results: 197 of all 235 US examined patients had fluid collections, confirmed by CT scan, surgery or clinival course. In 156 patients we performed FN diagnostic punctures under US control. There was 155 true-positives, 25 true-negatives, 5 false-positives and 2 false-negative results. Overall this demonstrated that ultrasonography hamaunt of d a sensitivity of 98.72%, specificity of 83.33% and accuracy of 96.25%. The PPV is 96.87% and the NPV – 92.59%. Conclusions: Our experience and literature reports support the opinion that US examination can and should be used as a primary method for diagnosis and follow-up of clinically suspected free and organaised fluids in the thorax, abdomen and retroperitoneum.