ULTRASOUND IMAGING OF PNEUMONIA

One hundred forty-three consecutive patients with clinically and radio logically confirmed pneumonia were examined by ultrasound. In 127 case s (88.8%), a consolidation could be visualised in the sonogram. Eight patients(5.6%) had a pleural effusion only. The remaining eight (5.6%) had no pathological findings. The characteristic features of pneumoni a were a hypoechoic consolidation with numerous small hyperechoic stru ctures (112 patients, 88.1%) and a blurred margin. In eight cases absc ess formation could be detected and treated by ultrasound-guided drain age. We conclude that sonography can visualise pneumonic consolidation s in a high percentage, and gives additional information concerning th e diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of pneumonia.