PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlations of ultrasonographically estimated volumes of pleural fluid with the actual effusion volume in order to determine the most reliable formula.MethodsIn 32 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed pleural effusion, an ultrasound estimation was made of the volume of effusion using four different formulae, including two in the erect position and two in the supine position. Closed-tube thoracostomy drainage using a 28-Fr chest tube was performed. The total drainage was calculated after confirmation of full lung re-expansion and complete drainage by plain chest radiographs and ultrasound. The ultrasonographically estimated volume was compared to the actual total volume drained as the gold standard.ResultsThere were 14 female and 18 male subjects. The mean age of all subjects was 41.56±18.34 years. Fifty percent of the effusions were in the left hemithorax. Metastatic disease accounted for the plurality of effusions (31.2%). The mean total volume drained for all the subjects was 2,770±1,841 mL. The ultrasonographically estimated volumes for the erect 1, erect 2, supine 1, and supine 2 formulae were 1,816±753 mL, 1,520±690 mL, 2,491±1,855 mL, and 1,393±787 mL, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients (r) for the estimate of each formula were 0.75, 0.81, 0.62, and 0.63, respectively.ConclusionAlthough both erect formulae showed similar correlations, the erect 2 formula (Goecke 2) was most closely correlated with the actual volume drained.
Nigeria is located in West Africa. The Nigerian healthcare system is stratified into three tiers corresponding to the three tiers of government: primary (local), secondary (state), and tertiary (federal). In addition to this public health structure, private facilities play a significant role in healthcare delivery. Nigeria has a shortage of healthcare equipment and personnel, with a doctor per 1,000 population ratio of 0.17, which is one of the lowest on the African continent. Despite these challenges, a wide range of medical imaging services is available in the country, through a network of public and private facilities. The public healthcare system, which serves the majority of Nigerians, is weak due to lack of adequate funding, personnel and equipment. This gap is closely bridged by private healthcare facilities, which account for 70% of health services coverage in the country. Training in diagnostic radiology is evolving, with two postgraduate colleges being responsible for the regulation of radiology training in the country: the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African College of Surgeons. There are also higher institutions of learning which are responsible for the training of other imaging professionals. The major challenges of radiology practice in Nigeria are the unavailability of constant electricity as well as the problems of equipment availability and repair.
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