ABSTRACT
Gain an understanding of basic thoracic anatomy relevant to ultrasound examination of the thorax. The thorax presents a particular challenge to imaging with ultrasound. In preparation for an ultrasound exam the practitioner must have a clear understanding of the clinical indication for the examination, any associated procedures and the clinical questions the examination seeks to address. A wide differential often requires both visualisation of the effusion using ultrasound and safe sampling of the fluid under ultrasound guidance. A pleural effusion describes the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. The body's inflammatory response results in the efflux of inflammatory cells and fluid replacing a region of lung resulting in a process termed ‘consolidation.’ Pulmonary oedema describes the accumulation of fluid within the lung interstitial and alveolar space usually as a result of acute heart failure. Pneumonia can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the lung and can cause significant morbidity and mortality.
