Table 1. Radiological description of free-flowing pleural effusions as proposed by Smargiassi A. et al. [7]
From: Chemical pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion: which agent is perfect?
Grading | Description | Landmarks | Intercostal spaces |
|---|---|---|---|
Grade 1 Minimum | Limited to the costophrenic sinus | Diaphragmatic dome partially evident | Limited to costophrenic sinus |
Grade 2 Small | Lower lung lobe partially involved | Diaphragmatic dome completely evident | 1 intercostal space |
Grade 3 Small to medium | Lower lung lobe partially collapsed | Lower lung lobe partially atelectatic, pulmonary hilum not visible | 2–3 intercostal spaces |
Grade 4 Medium | Lower lung lobe completely collapsed | Atelectasis of the lower lung lobe, pulmonary hilum visible. | 3–4 intercostal spaces |
Grade 5 Large | Upper lung lobe partially collapsed | Atelectasis of the lower lobe, upper lung lobe partially atelectatic | 4 intercostal spaces or more |
Grade 6 Massive | Lung fully collapsed | Atelectasis of the whole lung, Hilum completely visible |