Ultrasound Animal Challenge Halloween Special – Answer
The answer to our question "What pathology of the lung resembles a ‘spider web’ on ultrasound?" is:
C) A form of complex pleural effusion
![](https://123sonography.com/sites/default/files/styles/video_thumbnail/public/video/images/us-animal-challenge-spider-sign-preview.png?itok=l5TM03_O)
Generally, pleural effusion often presents as a hypo- or anechoic collection of fluid between the visceral and parietal pleura. However, a complex pleural effusion may appear homogeneous or heterogeneously echogenic. In this case, of a patient with staphylococcal pneumonia we are looking at a septated complex pleural effusion. You can see fibrin strands (thin hyperechoic lines) within the fluid collection. The loculations resemble a "spider web”.
Yours,
Thomas Binder and the 123sonography team
PS: If you missed the previous Animal Challenge posts you can always visit our “zoo”: