• Martin Hazlinger, Filip Ctvrtlik, Katerina Langova, and Miroslav Herman.
• Department of Radiology, University Hospital Olomouc and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic.
• Biomed Pap. 2014 Jan 1; 158 (1): 107-11.

AimsTo find the simplest method for quantifying pleural effusion volume from CT scans.MethodsSeventy pleural effusions found on chest CT examination in 50 consecutive adult patients with the presence of free pleural effusion were included. The volume of pleural effusion was calculated from a three-dimensional reconstruction of CT scans. Planar measurements were made on CT scans and their two-dimensional reconstructions in the sagittal plane and at three levels on transversal scans. Individual planar measurements were statistically compared with the detected volume of pleural effusion. Regression equations, averaged absolute difference between observed and predicted values and determination coefficients were found for all measurements and their combinations. A tabular expression of the best single planar measurement was created.ResultsThe most accurate correlation between the volume and a single planar measurement was found in the dimension measured perpendicular to the parietal pleura on transversal scan with the greatest depth of effusion. Conversion of this measurement to the appropriate volume is possible by regression equation: Volume = 0.365 × b(3) - 4.529 × b(2) + 159.723 × b - 88.377.ConclusionWe devised a simple method of conversion of a single planar measurement on CT scan to the volume of pleural effusion. The tabular expression of our equation can be easily and effectively used in routine practice.

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