{Reference Type}: Observational Study
{Title}: [Pulmonary re-expansion in metastatic pleural effusions after thoracentesis: A pilot study].
{Author}: Moutard N;Richard P;de Blay F;Kessler R;Ohana M;
{Journal}: Rev Mal Respir
{Volume}: 39
{Issue}: 10
{Year}: Dec 2022
{Factor}: 0.714
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.rmr.2022.10.007
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Metastatic pleural effusion is a cause of dyspnea. The American thoracic society has strongly suggested that studies evaluating thoracic ultrasonography as potentially predictive of improvment of dyspnea are needed.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a prospective monocentric observational study to assess chest ultrasound predictors of response to thoracentesis. Fifteen patients with metastatic pleural effusion were included.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The initial mean VAS score was5 ± 2,9 cm. The majority of patients had pleural effusions equal to or greater than 5 intercostal spaces (EIC) in height, while 7 patients had an abnormal curvature of the hemidiaphragm (flattened or inverted).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The volume removed was greater in the group with anechoic pleurisy compared to the group with sonographic septation, notwithstanding complex pleural effusion (non-septated, relatively hyperechoic, with some spots in the effusion). The patients with complex pleural effusions had an higher score of dyspnea.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The 7 patients with abnormal diaphragmatic curvature presented significant dyspnea with a pain score of approximately 7 and profuse pleurisy occupying 8 intercostal spaces in height. The effusions of those who could not normalize their curvature had a complex aspect and the volume removed was lower.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The ultrasound characteristics of pleural effusions seem to be predictors of improvment of dyspnea after thoracentesis. The septated and complex aspects are probably predictors of non improvment of dyspnea.