Palpable nodules at the chest wall (e.g lymph nodes) and rib fractures can
be characteristically visualized by ultrasound. The simplest method and mos
t sensitive technique to image and measure pleural fluid is ultrasound. Son
ographic evidence of pleural nodules is a specific finding in patients with
malignant effusions. Peripheral pulmonary consolidations are visible by ul
trasound if they extend up to the pleura. One can image pleuritis, pneumoni
a, lung cancers, pulmonary infarction, and atelectasis in typical sonomorph
ology, but limited specificity. Ultrasound guided transthoracic puncture is
minimally stressfull for the patient, is accurate, has a low rate of compl
ications and is also costeffective.