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Pleural effusion

Case contributed by Hani Makky Al Salam
Diagnosis certain

Chest

x-ray

Blunting of the right costophrenic recess, suggestive of a right-sided pleural effusion.

Normal left costophrenic recess.

ultrasound

Minimal right-sided pleural effusion.

Case Discussion

Pleural effusion on plain radiograph and ultrasound confirmation. Ultrasound is more sensitive to minimal pleural fluid, especially if <50 ml which could make no obvious changes on plain radiograph.

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