Ultrasound‐assisted insertion of a small‐diameter thoracic catheter for acute dorsal empyema

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Ultrasound‐assisted small catheter placement may be considered in cases where computed tomography guidance is unavailable, and ultrasound can identify pleural effusions clearly, even in cases where empyema is localized solely on the dorsal side. Abstract Thoracic catheter insertion for empyema can be challenging when the pleural effusion is localized dorsally and computed tomography guidance is unavailable. We report the case of a 40‐year‐old man with acute dorsal bacterial empyema who underwent successful ultrasound‐assisted catheter placement in an orthopneic position.

Keywords

• acute dorsal empyema
• orthopneic position
• pleural drainage
• small‐diameter catheter
• ultrasound