Diagnostic value of chest ultrasonography in different broncho-pulmonary and mediastinal diseases

ABSTRACT

This study included 113 patients. They were classified into 2 groups including those with bronchopulmonary diseases [89 patients] and mediastinal lesions [24 patients]. The positivity yield of sonography for patients with bronchopulmonary diseases was collectively 31.5%. The highest yield was recorded among patients with bronchial tumours and lung abscess [60% each] while sonography was absolutely valueless in cases with chronic obstructive airway diseases, bronchiectasis and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. However, the results proved that sonographic success was achieved in 100% of bronchial tumours abut to the chest wall. Ultrasonography was successful in the diagnosis of the mediastinal lesions collectively. The yield of sonography was positive in all the cases presented with pericardial effusion and aortic aneurysm while the positivity yield was only 72.7% for the mediastinal masses. The experience in sonographic evaluation of the mediastinal lesions clarified that the ventral approach is the most suitable one for the diagnosis of these cases. The results have referred to the equal positivity yield [60%] of ultrasonography and fluoroscopy as guided tools for percutaneous needle lung biopsy