Assessment of Diaphragm Function and Pleural Pressures During Thoracentesis

Background This prospective observational study reports on diaphragm excursion, velocity of diaphragm contraction, and changes in pleural pressure that occur with thoracentesis. Methods Twenty-eight patients with pleural effusion underwent therapeutic thoracentesis. Diaphragm excursion and velocity of diaphragm contraction were measured with M-mode ultrasonography of the affected hemidiaphragm. Pleural pressure was measured at each aliquot of...