Quantification of pleural effusion by ultrasound: scoping review

Assessment of pleural effusion (PE) volume is crucial to guide clinical management and therapeutic interventions. Ultrasound has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive tool to estimate PE volume using various predictive formulas. These equations aim to provide accurate volumetric estimates to aid clinical decision making, but there is currently no consensus on which formula performs best. The lack of standardization and variability in predictive accuracy underscore the need for comparative studies to validate these methods. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate regarding the optimal timing and circumstances for the application of such specific formulas.This review highlights the importance of ultrasound in the assessment of pleural effusion, discusses existing predictive formulas, and emphasizes appropriate usage scenarios to improve patient outcomes.