[Ultrasonic diagnosis of pleurisy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis].

Ultrasound proved helpful in diagnosis of pleurisy in tuberculous patients. It is able to localize exudate, to determine its volume, size and characteristic features as well as to show structure of the pleural layers, the existence of pleural adhesions. Echography differentiates changes in the adjacent pulmonary tissue and pleura though it is difficult in patients with rapidly progressive tuberculosis, especially in caseous pneumonia because affected pulmonary tissue is also hypoechogenic. Ultrasound is superior to X-ray in low volumes of the liquid in the pleural cavity or atypical position of the pleural exudate. Ultrasonic investigation is also used in dynamic control of treatment effectiveness without radiation load on the patient.