Two-Step Rule Sizes Up CT Pleural Effusions
AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA
All effusions characterized as small in the analysis were less than 328 mL in absolute volume, Dr. Moy said in an interview. This is significant because malignant pleural effusions less than 1 cm in thickness on a lateral decubitus radiograph are a relative contraindication to thoracentesis, per American Thoracic Society guidelines (Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2000;162:1987-2001). Pleural effusions greater than 1 cm on a lateral decubitus view have been shown to measure more than 300 mL in volume (Radiology 1994;191:681-4), he noted.
The new two-step rule is currently in use at Albert Einstein, and has been published online (Chest 2012 Nov. 8 [doi: 10.1378/chest.12-1292]).
Dr. Moy reported no conflicts of interest. A coauthor reported investments in Ortho Space and Kryon Systems.
