Praxis
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Palpable nodules at the chest wall (e.g. lymph nodes) and rib fractures can be characteristically visualized by ultrasound. The simplest method and most sensitive technique to image and measure pleural fluid is ultrasound. ⋯ One can image pleuritis, pneumonia, lung cancers, pulmonary infarction, and atelectasis in typical sonomorphology, but limited specificity. Ultrasound guided transthoracic puncture is minimally stressfulfor the patient, is accurate, has a low rate of complications and is also cost effective.
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Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy has shown to be a safe and cost-effective method for diagnostic assessment in complex and nonpalpable lesions. Experience in aspiration technique, smearing and fixation of the sampled probe are prerequisites for a good diagnostic yield.