Academic radiology
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Comparative Study
Accuracy of computed tomography attenuation values in the characterization of pleural fluid: an ROC study.
To assess the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in characterizing pleural fluid based on attenuation values. ⋯ Although the mean attenuation of exudates is significantly higher than transudates, the clinical use of CT numbers to characterize pleural fluid is not recommended, as their accuracy is only moderate. Moreover, there is a notable overlap in attenuation values between transudates and exudates for a majority of effusions.
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Comparative Study
Management of patients with "ex vacuo" pneumothorax after thoracentesis.
To determine clinical outcome in patients who developed "ex vacuo" pneumothorax following thoracentesis and to assess the benefit of chest tube placement for this complication. ⋯ Life expectancy for most patients who develop "ex vacuo" pneumothorax following therapeutic thoracentesis is short (<6 months). Chest tube placement is not necessary in asymptomatic patients and is unlikely to provide clinical benefit.