Pleural Effusion
Where to put the probe:
• Check midaxillary line, slide down to diaphragm
• Highest yield most dependent area (posterior/inferior)
BC Point of Care Ultrasound
Your go-to resource for point-of-care ultrasound rapid summaries and videos.
BC Point of Care Ultrasound
Your go-to resource for point-of-care ultrasound rapid summaries and videos.
We recommend 5 Min Sono’s pleural effusion video:
• Check midaxillary line, slide down to diaphragm
• Highest yield most dependent area (posterior/inferior)
A Lines = Normally Aerated Lung:


• COPD
• Asthma
• Pulmonary embolism
Pleural Effusion
A Lines = Normally Aerated Lung:


Hypoechoic
Parapneumonic Effusion
A Lines = Normally Aerated Lung:


Parapneumonic effusion identified below dense consolidation
A Lines = Normally Aerated Lung:


Pleural Effusion
A Lines = Normally Aerated Lung:


Is it LOCALIZED?
• Infectious
• Pulmonary contusion
Is it DIFFUSE?
• Congestive heart failure
• Multifocal pneumonia
• Interstitial fibrosis