scholarly journals Pleural fluid cholesterol level is an important parameter in differentiating exudative from transudative pleural effusions

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 520
Author(s):  
Chakradhar Majhi ◽  
Butungeshwar Pradhan ◽  
Bikash C. Nanda ◽  
Sagnika Tripathy

Background: The first important step is to decide whether the pleural effusion is transudate or exudates by Light’s criteria. Light’s criteria can misclassify 25% of pleural transudates as exudates. Pleural fluid cholesterol level can differentiate transudates from exudates as a single parameter instead of multiple parameters used in Light’s criteria. Measurement of pleural fluid cholesterol levels to differentiate transudative effusions from exudative effusions.Methods: Consecutive 60 cases of pleural effusion were taken in the study. Pleural fluid analysis was done for parameters of Light’s criteria along with pleural fluid cholesterol levels. First exudative and transudative effusion was classified by Light’s criteria. Other  clinical and relevant  biochemical tests were done to arrive in  the final etiological diagnosis  and data were collected and analysed .Pleural fluid cholesterol levels was  correlated to Light’s criteria.Results: Total 60 cases of pleural effusion were there in the study. There were 43 exudative and 17 transudative effusions. Mean cholesterol level was 64.2± 7.5mg/dl in exudative effusions and 26.05±8.01 mg/dl in transudates. Pleural fluid cholesterol was ≥55mg /dl in 43 cases of exudates and <55mg/dl in 17 cases of transudates.Conclusions: Pleural fluid cholesterol level of ≥ 55mg/dl had similar sensitivity and specificity to Light’s criteria and as a single important parameter to differentiate exudative from transudative pleural effusion

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Keshab Sharma ◽  
PS Lamichhane ◽  
BK Sharma

Background: Pleural effusion is the pathologic accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. The fluid analysis yields important diagnostic information, and in certain cases, fluid analysis alone is enough for diagnosis. Analysis of pleural fluid by thoracentesis with imaging guidance helps to determine the cause of pleural effusion. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in characterizing pleural fluid based on attenuation values and CT appearance. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 100 patients admitted to Gandaki Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal between January 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018. Patients who were diagnosed with pleural effusion and had a chest CT followed by diagnostic thoracentesis within 48 hours were included in the study. Effusions were classified as exudates or transudates using laboratory biochemistry markers on the basis of Light’s criteria. The mean attenuation values of the pleural effusions were measured in Hounsfield units in all patients using a region of interest with the greatest quantity of fluid. Each CT scan was also reviewed for the presence of additional pleural features. Results: According to Light’s criteria, 26 of 100 patients with pleural effusions had transudates, and the remaining patients had exudates. The mean attenuation of the exudates (16.5 ±1.7 HU; 95% CI, range, -33.4 – 44 HU) was significantly higher than the mean attenuation of the transudates (11.6 ±0.57 HU; 95% CI, range, 5 - 16 HU), (P = 0.0001). None of the additional CT features accurately differentiated exudates from transudates (P = 0.70). Fluid loculation was found in 35.13% of exudates and in 19.23% of transudates. Pleural thickening was found in 29.7% of exudates and in 15.3% of transudates. Pleural nodule was found in 10.8% of exudates which all were related to the malignancy. Conclusion: CT attenuation values may be useful in differentiating exudates from transudates. Exudates had significantly higher Hounsfield units in CT scan. Additional signs, such as fluid loculation, pleural thickness, and pleural nodules were more commonly found in patients with exudative effusions and could be considered and may provide further information for the differentiation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 6478-6485
Author(s):  
Babu Rajendran ◽  
Suwetha Babu ◽  
Sheju Jonathan Jha J

Correlation of pleural fluid cholesterol level with light’s criteria to differentiate exudate from transudate pleural effusion. Classification of transudate and exudate clinically was done independently based on the light's criteria. Pleural fluid cholesterol levels of 100 selected patients were obtained. The cholesterol levels were compared with the earlier obtained data to study its specificity and sensitivity in differentiating exudate from transudate effusion. It was found that pleural fluid cholesterol in comparison to protein values in differentiating exudate from transudate showed a sensitivity of 79.55%, specificity of 91.07%, the positive predictive value of 87.50%, the negative predictive value of 85.00%, with a P-value of <0.001. Comparison of pleural fluid cholesterol with LDH values showed a sensitivity of 86.36% specificity of 94.64%, the positive predictive value of 92.68%, the negative predictive value of 89.83%, with a P-value of <0.001. Also, a comparison of pleural fluid cholesterol to light's criteria showed a sensitivity of 100% and 86.4% in the transudative group and sensitivity of 100% and 91.1 % in the exudative group, respectively. Routine measurement of pleural fluid cholesterol may serve as a valuable diagnostic indicator for differentiating exudate from transudate effusion.


POCUS Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
Peter T. Evans ◽  
Robert S. Zhang ◽  
Yulei Cao ◽  
Sean Breslin ◽  
Nova Panebianco ◽  
...  

Objectives: Pleural effusion is a common reason for hospital admission with thoracentesis often required to diagnose an underlying cause. This study aimed to determine if the imaging characteristics of TUS effectively differentiates between transudative and exudative pleural fluid. Methods: Patients undergoing TUS with pleural fluid analysis were retrospectively identified at a single center between July 2016 and March 2018. TUS images were interpreted and characterized by established criteria. We determined diagnostic performance characteristics of image criteria to distinguish transudative from exudative pleural effusions.  Results: 166 patients underwent thoracentesis for fluid analysis of which 48% had a known malignancy. 74% of the pleural effusions were characterized as exudative by Light’s Criteria. TUS demonstrated anechoic effusions in 118 (71%) of samples. The presences of septations on TUS was highly specific in for exudative effusions (95.2%) with high positive predictive values (89.5%) and likelihood ratio (2.85). No TUS characteristics, even when adjusting for patient characteristics such as heart failure or malignancy, were sensitive for exudative effusions.  Conclusions: Among our cohort, anechoic images did not allow reliable differentiation between transudative and exudative fluid. Presence of complex septated or complex homogenous appearance was high specific and predictive of exudative fluid.


2004 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 607-611
Author(s):  
Goran Plavec ◽  
Ilija Tomic ◽  
Natasa Nidzovic ◽  
Branko Radojcic ◽  
Slobodan Acimovic ◽  
...  

Cholesterol and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in pleural effusion and sera, were measured in 199 patients with pleural effusions of various origins. Malignant cause was found in 93, and nonmalignant in 106 patients. Mean cholesterol level in sera of patient with malignant disease was 5.0 ? 0.93mmol/L, and in nonmalignant group 4.34 ? 1.32 mmol/L. The difference was not statistically significant. Mean cholesterol level in nonmalignant pleural effusions was higher thAn those in malignant (2.51 ? 1.23 mmol/L; and 2.28 ? 1.06 mmol/L), but the difference was also not significant. Average pleural fluid/serum cholesterol ratio (HolI/S) in nonmalignant group was 0.61 ? 0.32 and in malignant group 0.46 ? 0.22. The difference between those mean values was significant. Higher ratio, at the cut off value of 0.5 was found in 79/106 and in 25/93 malignant patients. Calculated sensitivity was 75%, specificity 73%, positive predictive value 76%, negative predictive value 65% and accuracy 69%. Significant negative correlation between Holi/S and pleural fluid CEA was found (p<0.05). It was assumed that pleural fluid/serum cholesterol ratio lower than 0,5 could be of great benefit, as an additional test in the differentiation of malignant from benign pleural effusion.


1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Villena ◽  
J. Echave-Sustaeta ◽  
A. Lopez-Encuentra ◽  
P. Martin-Escribano ◽  
J. Estenoz-Alfaro ◽  
...  

As a tool for differentiating malignant and benign pleural effusions, we evaluated the diagnostic value of the assay of tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS) in pleural fluid and serum, and of the pleural fluid TPS/serum TPS ratio in patients with pleural effusion. We studied prospectively 147 consecutive patients who had pleural effusions: 43 malignant pleural effusions and 104 benign pleural effusions. TPS levels were measured by RIA. The sensitivity and specificity of these measurements were: TPS in pleural fluid (cutoff 20,000 U/L): 0.21 and 0.98; TPS in serum (cutoff 300 U/L): 0.31 and 0.96; pleural fluid TPSI serum TPS ratio (cutoff 1200): 0.07 and 0.99. All these values enhanced the sensitivity of cytologic analysis of pleural fluid. However, we conclude that TPS assay in pleural fluid and serum, and the pleural fluid TPSI serum TPS ratio have limited diagnostic value in patients with pleural effusion.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael S. Andrade ◽  
Eitan Podgaetz

Pleural effusions can occur in a wide variety of clinical situations. The most important test for the initial diagnosis and evaluation of a pleural effusion is the chest radiograph. Further investigation, such as imaging, pleural fluid analysis, pleural biopsy, and thoracoscopy, may be required to determine the etiology of the pleural effusion. This review covers the clinical evaluation, investigative studies, and management of pleural effusion, as well as basic facts of the pleura. An algorithm shows the approach to the patient with a pleural effusion. Figures show chest radiographs of patients with pleural effusion; six computed tomographic scans (showing right-side empyema showing a loculated effusion; a free-flowing, sickle-shaped, right-side effusion; parapneumonic effusion [PPE] at diagnosis, after initial chest tube placement, and after fibrinolytics; and left-side chylothorax secondary to lymphoma); an algorithm to manage known malignant pleural effusions; and a photograph of a PleurX catheter after placement and subcutaneous tunneling. Tables list the pathophysiologic mechanisms of pleural effusion, differential diagnosis for pleural effusions, relationship between pleural fluid appearance and causes, pleural fluid tests for causative assessment, practical guidelines for definitive management of malignant pleural effusion, and categorization of PPE by risk of poor outcome. Techniques for bedside thoracentesis and tube thoracostomy as well as for bedside fibrinolytic use are also presented. This review contains 1 management algorithm, 8 figures, 6 tables, and 92 references.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Adel Salah Bediwy ◽  
Mohamed Gamal A. Elkholy ◽  
Mohamed Mohamed Elbedewy ◽  
Mohamed A. Hasanein

Background. Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeoid cells-1 (sTREM-1) has recently been found to be high in infected pleural fluid (PF). Objectives. Diagnostic accuracy of PF sTREM-1 for differentiating uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions (UPPEs) from complicated parapneumonic effusions (CPPEs) was evaluated prospectively. Methods. Serum and PF sTREM-1 were measured for 68 patients with parapneumonic and transudative pleural effusion. Results. PF (but not serum) sTREM-1 concentrations were significantly higher in CPPE than in UPPE. Serum and PF sTREM-1 levels were higher in parapneumonic than in transudative groups. PF sTREM-1 had a sensitivity of 85.19% and a specificity of 83.33% at cutoff value of 250.5 pg/mL for differentiating CPPE and UPPE with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9336. After excluding purulent CPPE cases, sensitivity and specificity became 90.48% and 83.33%, respectively (at the same cutoff value) with AUC of 0.9444. Conclusion. High concentrations of PF sTREM-1 (above 250.5 pg/mL) help to early diagnose and differentiate CPPE from UPPE.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Minh Huan Dang ◽  
Mathew Mathew ◽  
Rajesh Raj

Pleural effusions are frequently seen in patients on dialysis. A pleuroperitoneal leak or communication is a rare but important cause of pleural effusion in patients on peritoneal dialysis. This diagnosis can be made with a combination of biochemical tests and radiological modalities, in the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test. In addition to thoracocentesis, treatment often involves cessation of peritoneal dialysis and transition to hemodialysis. We describe a case of an 80-year-old man who presented with unilateral right-sided pleural effusion. He underwent therapeutic thoracocentesis and was subsequently diagnosed with a pleuroperitoneal leak through pleural fluid analysis. Peritoneal dialysis was ceased, and he transitioned temporarily to hemodialysis. He was subsequently treated with talc pleurodesis and successfully recommenced on peritoneal dialysis at six weeks after operation. In our report, we also review diagnostic imaging modalities, as well as advantages and disadvantages of each modality. A pleuroperitoneal leak is a rare but important complication of peritoneal dialysis and needs consideration in any patient on peritoneal dialysis presenting with unilateral pleural effusion.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sachin Kate ◽  
B. K. Mutha ◽  
Gauri Kulkarni ◽  
Chetan Mahajan ◽  
Sushma Dugad

<strong>Introduction</strong>: Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. TB is the most common cause of pleural effusion worldwide (30-60%). The pleural fluid activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) is one of the best, providing reliable basis for a treatment decision, particularly in excluding the diagnosis of tuberculosis, due to its high sensitivity.<strong> Aims and Objectives</strong>: To assess the importance of adenosine deaminase(ADA) level in the diagnosis of pleural effusion. To assess Adenosine Deaminase Activity (ADA) in tuberculosis pleural effusion and assess the sensitivity and specificity of ADA levels. <strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: This study was performed at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at tertiary care centre. The study comprised of 75 patients of pleural effusion having Age &gt; 14 years, Clinical and Radiological evidence of Pleural Effusions&amp;Patients willing for ADA examination. Patients having Age &gt; 65 years, minimal nontappable effusion, not giving consent for ADA examination patient were excluded from the study. Detailed history, thorough physical examination, radiological findings, haematological and biochemical findings were recorded in the proforma. Pleural aspiration was performed on all patients. Macroscopic findings, cytological, microbiological and biochemical analysis of pleural fluid were performed in all patients including ADA level. PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was also assessed in pleural fluid. Pleural fluid Adenosine deaminase level was measured by Giusti and Galanti method. <strong>Result</strong>: In our study out of 45 patients with tuberculosis pleural effusion ADA was more than 40IU/L in 42 (93.33%) and less than40IU/L in 3 (6.66 %). Our study showed a mean ADA of 107.7 IU/L Using a cut off of greater 40IU/L we got a sensitivity and specificity of 93.3% and 90% respectively and Positive predictive value 93.3% and Negative predictive value 90%. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Pleural fluid ADA activity has been shown to be a valuable biochemical marker that has a high sensitivity and specificity for TB diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 296-301
Author(s):  
Abdul Rasheed Qureshi ◽  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Huma Bilal ◽  
Muhammad Sajid ◽  
Zeeshan Ashraf

Objectives: To determine the frequency of tuberculosis and malignancy in transudative pleural effusions.Material and Method: The study was conducted in Pulmonology-OPD, Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital Lahore from Oct. 2017 to Feb. 2019. One hundred and twenty-eight consecutive patients with transudative pleural effusions and 14-69 years age, willing for invasive investigations & ADA estimation were included, while those not willing for further investigations, participation in the study, and exudative effusions were excluded. The clinical features, pleural fluid analysis findings, ADA(Adenosine deaminase) estimation results, hematology, echocardiography, bronchoscopy, Lymph node biopsy, CT-thorax, ultrasound chest & abdomen results were recorded on a preformed proforma. Findings were summarized, tabulated, and analyzed statistically using SPSS-16 software.Results: Out of 1370 cases of pleural effusion, 128 cases (9.34%) with pleural transudate were isolated. In all patients, pleural fluid protein/serum protein level was < 0.5. The age ranged 14-69 years with a mean of 39 years + 11.3. Fifty-two cases (40.62%) had right-sided, 38 cases (29.68%) left-sided while 38 cases (29.68%) had bilateral pleural effusions. Seventy-six aspirates (59.37%) were yellow, 20 (15.62%) reddish, 18 (14.06%) straw-colored and 14 fluids (10.93%) were watery in color. Out of 128 transudative effusions, malignant etiology was found in 23 cases (17.96%), tubercular in 17 cases (13.28%) and 19 cases (14.84%) of Para-pneumonic origin were detected.Conclusion: Tuberculosis and malignancy can be the possible etiology of transudative effusion.  


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