Landmarks in simple pleural effusions

摘要

Modern methods of examination have greatly facilitated the diagnosis of pleura! effusion, particularly radiography. In spite of this it is nothing unusual for experienced clinicians to be embarrassed by a "dry tap" when there is clearcut evidence of pleural effusion. Nor is the embarrassment lessened when a successful thoracentesis is performed on the patient on the same day by another clinician who elected to introduce his needle one or two interspaces higher.