Ultrasound - Point-of-care lung ultrasound
Longitudinal
Point-of-care ultrasound was utilised to identify an appropriate site for thoracentesis. This is a longitudinal view of the right lower zone, with the probe marker (blue dot) oriented cranially.
This video clip demonstrates atelectatic lung floating in a large hypoechoic pleural effusion, otherwise known as 'jellyfish sign'. There is no discernable loculation, 'speckling' or 'swirling' of the fluid to suggest an exduative effusion. It is important to note that the absence of these signs is not able to exclude an exudative effusion.
The diaphragm and liver are visible on the caudal (right / inferior) side of the image, and there is movement consistent with respiration.
It is interesting to note that the right heart border is visible on ultrasound, at approximately 7cm depth. The patient was severely sarcopenic. This can also be inferred through the shallow depth of the pleural space from the surface (approximately 1.5 cm).