Volumetric T2-weighted MRI improves the diagnostic accuracy of spinal vascular malformations: comparative analysis with a conventional MR study

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1019-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santhosh Kumar Kannath ◽  
Adhithyan Rajendran ◽  
Bejoy Thomas ◽  
Jayadevan Enakshy Rajan
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Vascular Malformations ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Volumetric Mri ◽  
Spinal Vascular Malformations ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
T2 Mri

BackgroundTo date, very little study of the importance of a volumetric T2-weighted MR sequence in the evaluation of spinal vascular malformations (SVMs) has been carried out.ObjectiveTo determine the utility and accuracy of a volumetric T2 MR sequence compared with conventional T2 in the diagnosis of SVMs.MethodsRetrospective analysis of all patients who underwent spinal DSA for suspected SVMs was conducted. Conventional T2 and volumetric T2 MR images were analysed for the presence of flow voids and parenchymal changes, and SVMs were characterized. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of these MRI diagnoses were calculated.ResultsOf 89 subjects included in the final analysis, 70 patients had angiographically proved SVMs (38 patients with spinal cord arteriovenous malformations [SCAVM—intramedullary or perimedullary] and 32 cases of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF)) and the remaining 19 subjects were normal. The sensitivity and specificity for identification of SVMs were 98.1% and 90% for volumetric T2 sequences, compared with 82.8% and 89.4% for conventional T2 MRI, respectively. For characterization of spinal vascular lesions, volumetric MRI showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for SDAVF (100%, 90%, 97%, respectively) compared with conventional T2 MRI (71.8%, 89%, 79%, respectively). The positive likelihood ratio was high and negative likelihood ratio was zero for volumetric MRI evaluation of SDAVF, while these ratios were comparable between the two sequences for SCAVM.ConclusionVolumetric T2 MRI is highly sensitive for the detection of SVMs, especially for SDAVF. Volumetric T2 MRI could be introduced into routine clinical practice in the screening of suspected SVMs.

scholarly journals The Potential Diagnostic Accuracy of Circulating MicroRNAs for Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153303382110119
Author(s):  
Wen-Ting Zhang ◽  
Guo-Xun Zhang ◽  
Shuai-Shuai Gao
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Diagnostic Odds Ratio ◽  
Circulating Micrornas ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: Leukemia is a common malignant disease in the human blood system. Many researchers have proposed circulating microRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of leukemia. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of circulating miRNAs in the diagnosis of leukemia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search (updated to October 13, 2020) in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was performed to identify eligible studies. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosing leukemia were pooled for both overall and subgroup analysis. The meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed to explore heterogeneity and Deeks’ funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Results: 49 studies from 22 publications with a total of 3,489 leukemia patients and 2,756 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and area under the curve were 0.83, 0.92, 10.8, 0.18, 59 and 0.94, respectively. Subgroup analysis shows that the microRNA clusters of plasma type could carry out a better diagnostic accuracy of leukemia patients. In addition, publication bias was not found. Conclusions: Circulating microRNAs can be used as a promising noninvasive biomarker in the early diagnosis of leukemia.

Interpretations of the dial test should be reconsidered. A diagnostic accuracy study reporting sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-204
Author(s):  
Richard Norris ◽  
Christian Kopkow ◽  
Michael James McNicholas
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Knee Ligament ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Medial Knee ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Dial Test

ObjectivesTo determine the accuracy of the dial test, used alone and in combination with additional clinical tests, in the diagnosis of an isolated posterolateral corner (PLC) injury, combined PLC-posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury or medial knee injury.MethodsA retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic and/or open knee ligament reconstruction surgery was conducted. The dial test was performed in an outpatient’s clinic as part of a routine knee examination. Examination under anaesthetic and intraoperative findings were used as the reference standard test to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the dial test used alone and in combination with other PCL and medial knee tests. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) were calculated with corresponding 95% CI.ResultsData from 87 patients were available and included in the data analysis. For an isolated PLC injury, the dial test sensitivity and specificity were 0.20 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.39) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.00). The PPV and NPV were 1.00 (95% CI 0.52 to 1.00) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.80). LR+ and LR− of the dial test detecting isolated PLC injury were infinity (95% CI calculation not possible, infinity) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.41 to 1.57). The diagnostic accuracy of the dial test, when used alone and in combination with other PCL and medial knee tests, was also calculated for combined PLC-PCL and medial knee injuries.ConclusionA negative dial test at 30° of knee flexion can rule out a PLC injury, while a test that is positive at 30° and negative at 90° indicates a PLC injury, without concomitant injury to the PCL or medial knee ligaments. A positive test at both 30° and 90° can indicate isolated PLC, combined PLC-PCL or medial ligament injuries, and other knee examination findings are required to differentially diagnose these injury patterns.Level of evidenceII.

scholarly journals Diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound elastography for differentiating benign and malignant hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangfeng Wu ◽  
Yue Sun ◽  
Yunlai Wang ◽  
Lijing Ge ◽  
Yun Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Endobronchial Ultrasound ◽  
Mediastinal Lymph Nodes ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Aims: In the present study, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) elastography for differentiating benign and malignant hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs). Material and methods: A comprehensive literature search was carried out through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Two authors screened the papers and extracted the data independently and any discrepancies were resolved by discussion. The methodolog-ical quality of each included study was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and area under the curve were calculated to evaluate the value of EBUS elastography for hilar and mediastinal LNs. Results: Seventeen studies with the number of 2307 LNs were included. There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio for the diagnosis of hilar and mediastinal LNs by EBUS elastography were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.94), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.74-0.81), 4.1 (95% CI, 3.4-4.9), 0.12 (95% CI, 0.07-0.21) and 33 (95% CI, 17-64), respectively. Furthermore, area under the curve was calculated to be 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82-0.88). Conclusion: EBUS elastography is a valuable technology in the differentiation of benign and malignant hilar and mediastinal LNs and could provide supplementary diagnostic information during endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. The combination of EBUS elastography and B-mode EBUS could improve the diagnostic accuracy for hilar and mediastinal LNs.

scholarly journals MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangbi Li ◽  
Xiaoping Xie ◽  
Weibing Liu ◽  
Feng Gu ◽  
Ke Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Diagnostic Odds Ratio ◽  
Good Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: Abnormal expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) were observed in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in recent articles, suggesting that miRNAs may be used as biomarkers for AS diagnoses. In this paper, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the overall diagnostic accuracy of miRNA biomarkers in AS patients.Methods: An extensive search was undertaken in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane databases, and Wan Fang database up to 30 December 2020 using the following key words: (“microRNAs” or “microRNA” or “miRNA” or “miR” or “RNA, Micro” or “Primary MicroRNA”) and (“Spondylitis Ankylosing” or “Spondyloarthritis Ankylopoietica” or “Ankylosing Spondylarthritis” or “Ankylosing Spondylarthritides” or “Spondylarthritides Ankylosing” or “Ankylosing Spondylitis”) and (“blood” or “serum” or “plasma”). Statistical evaluation of dysregulated miRNAs using the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC).Results: Twenty-nine articles reporting on the miRNAs of AS were included. A total of 42 miRNAs were observed to be up-regulated and 45 miRNAs were down-regulated in the AS cases compared with the controls. Besides, 29 studies from nine articles were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 0. 76 (95% CI, 0.70–0.81), 0.80 (95% CI, 0.74–0.85), 3.75 (95% CI, 2.82–5.01), 0.30 (95% CI, 0.24–0.39), 12.32 (95% CI, 7.65–19.83), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81–0.88), respectively, suggesting a good diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs for AS.Conclusions: Circulating miRNAs are deregulated in AS patients. miRNAs may be used as a relatively non-invasive biomarkers for the detection of AS.

scholarly journals The Role of circRNAs in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru-Dong Li ◽  
Min Guan ◽  
Zhe Zhou ◽  
Shu-Xiao Dong ◽  
Qian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarker ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: A novel category of non-coding circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been found to be dysregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and significantly contribute to its progression. However, the feasibility of using circRNA as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC remains to be elucidated. Herein, we aimed to comprehensively collect and analyze evidence regarding the potential application of circRNAs as diagnostic indicators for CRC.Methods: A comprehensive retrieval of relevant studies dating from January, 2015 to December 2020, was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Data regarding the diagnostic accuracy of circRNA for CRC, including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC), were obtained from the included studies. Quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2) was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. Statistical analysis was performed using STAT and RevMan software.Results: Eighteen studies, involving a total of 2021 individuals, were included in the present meta-analysis. The specimens examined included tissue, serum, and plasma. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, PLR, NLR, and AUC, with a 95% confidence interval (CI), of circRNAs in the diagnosis of CRC were 0.78 (0.71–0.83), 0.73 (0.68–0.78), 9.68 (6.76–13.85), 2.92 (2.45–3.50), 0.30 (0.23–0.39), and 0.81 (0.78–0.85), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the upregulated circRNAs in the tissue or plasma possessed relatively higher diagnostic values for CRC than the downregulated circRNAs. There was no significant difference between the tissue-derived and non-tissue-derived circRNA subgroups.Conclusion: circRNA may be used as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC because of its relatively high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing CRC patients from normal controls. Further prospective studies are needed to identify more representative circRNAs as diagnostic markers for CRC.

scholarly journals Test characteristics of history, examination and investigations in the evaluation for septic arthritis in the child presenting with acute non-traumatic limp. A systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e038088
Author(s):  
Jacky Tu ◽  
Peter Gowdie ◽  
Julian Cassar ◽  
Simon Craig
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Septic Arthritis ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Risk Prediction ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Prediction Tools ◽  
Clinical Risk

BackgroundSeptic arthritis is an uncommon but potentially significant diagnosis to be considered when a child presents to the emergency department (ED) with non-traumatic limp. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of clinical findings (history and examination) and investigation results (pathology tests and imaging) for the diagnosis of septic arthritis among children presenting with acute non-traumatic limp to the ED.MethodsSystematic review of the literature published between 1966 and June 2019 on MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Studies were included if they evaluated children presenting with lower limb complaints and evaluated diagnostic performance of items from history, physical examination, laboratory testing or radiological examination. Data were independently extracted by two authors, and quality assessment was performed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool.Results18 studies were identified, and included 2672 children (560 with a final diagnosis of septic arthritis). There was substantial heterogeneity in inclusion criteria, study setting, definitions of specific variables and the gold standard used to confirm septic arthritis. Clinical and investigation findings were reported using varying definitions and cut-offs, and applied to differing study populations. Spectrum bias and poor-to-moderate study design quality limit their applicability to the ED setting.Single studies suggest that the presence of joint tenderness (n=189; positive likelihood ratio 11.4 (95% CI 5.9 to 22.0); negative likelihood ratio 0.2 (95% CI 0.0 to 1.2)) and joint effusion on ultrasound (n=127; positive likelihood ratio 8.4 (95% CI 4.1 to 17.1); negative likelihood ratio 0.2 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.3)) appear to be useful. Two promising clinical risk prediction tools were identified, however, their performance was notably lower when tested in external validation studies.DiscussionDifferentiating children with septic arthritis from non-emergent disorders of non-traumatic limp remains a key diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians. There is a need for prospectively derived and validated ED-based clinical risk prediction tools.

Does ProCore fine needle biopsy really improve the clinical outcome of endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of pancreatic masses?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Delconte ◽  
Federica Cavalcoli ◽  
Andrea Magarotto ◽  
Giovanni Centonze ◽  
Cristina Bezzio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Endoscopic Ultrasound ◽  
Needle Biopsy ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Fine Needle Biopsy ◽  
Fine Needle ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Introduction: Fine Needle Biopsy (FNB) has been suggested to provide better histological samples as compared to endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). However, studies comparing EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB for pancreatic lesions reported contrasting results. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of EUS-FNA versus EUS-FNB with ProCore needle for the investigation of pancreatic lesions. Methods: We reviewed all patients undergoing EUS for the investigation of pancreatic lesions from August 2012 to September 2018. From August 2012 to January 2015 all procedures were performed with standard needles, whereas from February 2015 to September 2018 the use of ProCore needles had been introduced. Data on diagnostic accuracy, number of needle passes and/or adverse events were collected. Results: 324 patients were retrospectively evaluated: 190 (58.6%) underwent EUS-FNA and 134 (41.4%) EUS-FNB. Both EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB showed high diagnostic accuracy for malignancy [94% (CI 95%:89-97%) vs 94% (CI 95%:89-98%)]. Notable, there were no differences between EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, histological core tissue retrieval, adverse events or number of needle passes. However, subgroup analysis noted a higher diagnostic accuracy for 25G EUS-FNB as compared to 25G EUS-FNA (85,7% vs 55,5%; *p=0.023). Conclusion: EUS-FNB with ProCore needle is safe and feasible in pancreatic lesions. ProCore needle did not provide any advantage in terms of diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and/or negative likelihood ratio, or acquisition of core specimen, therefore its routine application is not

scholarly journals Clinical utility of microRNA-451 as diagnostic biomarker for human cancers

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanzhan Li ◽  
Yanyan Li ◽  
Jun Fu ◽  
Na Li ◽  
Liangfang Shen
Keyword(s):  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Diagnostic Odds Ratio ◽  
Diagnostic Ability ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

AbstractWe conducted comprehensive analyses to assess the diagnostic ability of miRNA-451 in cancers. A systematic online search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, China’s national knowledge infrastructure, and VIP databases from inception to July 31, 2017. The bivariate random effect model was used for calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under cure (AUC). The whole pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (0.77–0.90) and 0.85 (0.78–0.90) with their 95% confidence interval (95%CI), respectively. The pooled AUC was 0.91 (95%CI: 0.89–0.94). Positive likelihood ratio was 5.57 (95%CI: 3.74–8.31), negative likelihood ratio was 0.18 (95%CI: 0.11–0.28), and diagnostic odds ratio was 31.33 (95%CI: 15.19–64.61). Among Asian population, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95%CI: 0.77–0.91) and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.78–0.91), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 5.87 (95%CI: 3.78–9.12) and 0.17 (95%CI: 0.11–0.28). The diagnostic odds ratio and AUC were 34.31 (15.51–75.91) and 0.92 (0.89–0.94). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and AUC for digestive system cancer were 0.83, 0.88, 6.87, 0.20, 35.13, and 0.92, respectively. The other cancers were 0.87, 0.81, 4.55, 0.16, 28.51, and 0.90, respectively. For sample source, the results still remain consistent. Our results indicated miRNA-451 has a moderate diagnostic ability for cancers, and could be a potential early screening biomarker, and considered as an adjuvant diagnostic index when being combined with other clinical examinations.

Validity and Diagnostic Accuracy of Clarke's Angle in Determining Paediatric Flexible Flatfoot Using Radiographic Findings as a Criterion Standard Measure: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatma Hegazy ◽  
Emad Aboelnasr ◽  
Amr A. Abdel-Aziem ◽  
In-Ju Kim
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Flexible Flatfoot ◽  
Foot Posture ◽  
Posttest Probability

Background: Clinical diagnosis of Paediatric flexible flatfoot is still a challenging issue for the healthcare professionals. Clarke's Angle (CA) is frequently used clinically for assessing foot posture; however there is still a debate about its validity and diagnostic accuracy in evaluation of static foot posture especially in Paediatric population with some previous studies supporting, while the others are refuting its validity. The current study aimed to investigate validity and diagnostic accuracy of CA using radiographic findings as a criterion standard measure to determine flexible flatfoot between ages of 6-18 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted on 612 participants (1224 feet) with flexible flatfoot aged 6-18 years (12.36 {plus minus}3.39) was recruited. The clinical measures results were compared to the criterion standard radiographic measures and displayed on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under ROC curve (AUC) was computed. Intra-rater reliability, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated for CA. Fagan nomogram was used to detect the posttest probability. Results: Clarke's angle (CA) demonstrated higher intra-rater reliability (ICC=0.99). CA showed higher sensitivity (98.4%), specificity (98.8), positive predictive value (97.3), negative predictive value (99.3), positive likelihood ratio (84) and negative likelihood ratio (0.02). AUC was 0.98[95%CI= 0095-1.00]. The positive likelihood ratio (LR+) yielded a posttest probability of 97%, while the negative likelihood ratio (LR−) yielded a posttest probability of 0.02. Conclusions: CA is a valid with high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of flexible flatfoot between the ages of 6-18 years.

Pleuraerguss: Vereinfachte Kriterien zur Unterscheidung zwischen Exsudat und Transsudat

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 331-332
Author(s):  
Franz Stanzel
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Validation Cohort ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽  
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Pleural Effusions

Background: An important part of the investigation of pleural effusion is the identification of markers that help separate exudate from transudate. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to compare the accuracy of published and new sets of criteria to distinguish between exudative and transudative pleural effusions, and to determine whether serum biochemical analysis is necessary. Methods: An externally validated cohort study was performed. Pleural effusions were determined to be transudative or exudative on the basis of an assessment of the medical record by two clinicians blinded to biochemical results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were determined for each proposed combination of criteria. Results: Pleural fluid analysis was available for 311 thoracenteses in the main cohort and for 112 thoracenteses in the validation cohort. The best sensitivity (97% [95% CI 94-99]) and negative likelihood ratio (0.04 [95% CI 0.02-0.08]) for identifying exudative effusions were observed with criteria combining pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase greater than 0.6 the upper limit of normal serum lactate dehydrogenase and pleural fluid cholesterol greater than 1.04 mmol/L (40 mg/dL). The overall diagnostic accuracy was similar to Light's criteria. Findings were similar in the validation cohort. Conclusions: Our proposed criteria using simultaneously pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase and pleural fluid cholesterol can identify an exudate with a sensitivity and an overall diagnostic accuracy similar to Light's criteria. It avoids simultaneous blood sampling, thus reducing patient discomfort and potential costs.

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