Complex, Septated Pleural Effusion

Thoracic ultrasound demonstrates a complex loculated pleural effusion, with multiple internal echogenic septations forming separate anechoic fluid compartments.

The appearances are not those of a simple transudative effusion and are more suggestive of an exudative/inflammatory process, such as

• complicated parapneumonic effusion

• empyema

• haemothorax, or

• chronic organised effusion, depending on the clinical context.