Lung Assessment

Pleural Effusions

Use curvilinear probe, place probe longitudinally (probe marker to head) in posterior axillary line at level of xiphoid.
Obtain view of diaphragm (located above liver on right side, and above spleen on left), slide probe until diaphragm centered on screen.
Pleural Effusion Features:
- Anechoic (black) fluid above diaphragm.
- Visualize the diaphragm fully from 9 to 12 o clock.
- Spine sine: see bony spine extending across the effusion.

Note: The video shown has no pleural effusion. See how the spine stops at the liver and how the full diaphragm isn't seen!