[Pulmonary atelectasis and massive pleural effusion. Echocardiography].

Pulmonary atelectasis can be detected by Two Dimensional Echocardiography (2D-E) when massive pleural effusion is present. A triangular mass, base toward the mediastinum and apex moving freely in the pleural cavity, is shown by 2D-E either in an apical modified view in left pleural effusions or in a subcostal modified view in right pleural effusions. The texture of the mass is liver-like. Three cases are reported by way of example. Differential diagnosis with other masses, such as pleural or pericardial metastasis, is discussed.