Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
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To evaluate the role of sonographically guided small-bore chest catheters and sonographically based monitoring of fluid evacuation in rapid sclerotherapy of malignant pleural effusions. ⋯ Rapid pleurodesis can be accomplished within 24 to 48 hours, with good short- and long-term responses. Thoracic sonography plays a pivotal role. It guides placement of the pleural catheter and is valuable in the monitoring of fluid evacuation for determining the right time for sclerosing agent administration and in the detection and treatment of loculations or residual pleural fluid due to tube malfunctioning.