The V-line: a sonographic aid for the
confirmation of pleural fluid
Atkinson et al. Critical Ultrasound Journal 2012, 4:19
Atkinson et al. Critical Ultrasound Journal 2012, 4:19
Abstract
"Background: Ultrasound is being used increasingly to diagnose pathological free fluid accumulation at the bedside. In addition to the detection of peritoneal and pericardial fluid, point-of-care ultrasound allows rapid bedside diagnosis of pleural fluid.
Findings: In this short report, we describe the sonographic observation of the vertebral or ‘V-line’ to help confirm the presence of pleural fluid in the supine patient. The V-line sign is a result of the fluid acting as an acoustic window to enable visualization of vertebral bodies and posterior thoracic wall, thus confirming the presence of pleural fluid.
Conclusions: The V-line is a useful sonographic sign to aid the diagnosis of pleural free fluid."
"Background: Ultrasound is being used increasingly to diagnose pathological free fluid accumulation at the bedside. In addition to the detection of peritoneal and pericardial fluid, point-of-care ultrasound allows rapid bedside diagnosis of pleural fluid.
Findings: In this short report, we describe the sonographic observation of the vertebral or ‘V-line’ to help confirm the presence of pleural fluid in the supine patient. The V-line sign is a result of the fluid acting as an acoustic window to enable visualization of vertebral bodies and posterior thoracic wall, thus confirming the presence of pleural fluid.
Conclusions: The V-line is a useful sonographic sign to aid the diagnosis of pleural free fluid."