Lung ultrasound in the evaluation of pleural effusion

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the use of ultrasound for the evaluation of chest diseases, especially for the study of bedridden, critically ill patients. In fact, the ultrasound method presents various advantages: it uses no radiation; it is inexpensive; it can be used at the bedside; it is noninvasive; and it can be repeated as necessary. In addition, ultrasound is starting to be a method used by professionals, other than radiologists, who have specific clinical questions,