Criterios imagenológicos en el diagnóstico de derrame pleural

Abstract

Introduction: Pleural effusion is defined as the presence of fluid in the pleural space that exceeds the physiological capacities of the pleural space. In the pleural space there is 10 to 15ml of pleural fluid in each hemithorax under physiological conditions, if this condition is exceeded it is considered pathological. Objective: To identify the imaging criteria present in pleural effusion through literature review in the last 5 years in the database: Pubmed, LILACS, and health data information systems in Ecuador, allowing medical personnel to have a support tool for diagnostic imaging in this nosological entity. Materials and methods: After searching for articles in scientific databases of evidence-based medicine with the title "Pleural effusion, imaging studies", we proceeded to a selection of articles in quartile 1 and 2 of Scimago Journal Rank, of the last 5 years in progress. Conclusion: There are several imaging studies for the diagnosis of pleural effusion, and although tomography is the standard or gold standard, it is a method of high cost and difficult access, so in our environment chest radiography along with ultrasound are the most commonly used methods for diagnostic imaging of pleural effusion, obtaining good results, because these studies are easily accessible and low cost.