scholarly journals The Use of Thoracic Ultrasound to Predict Transudative and Exudative Pleural Effusion

POCUS Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
Peter T. Evans ◽  
Robert S. Zhang ◽  
Yulei Cao ◽  
Sean Breslin ◽  
Nova Panebianco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
Characteristics Of Image ◽  
Reliable Differentiation ◽  
Exudative Pleural Effusion

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.

Pleural Effusion

Chest Imaging ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 165-170
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Lateral Displacement ◽  
Pleural Space ◽  
Gravitational Effects ◽  
Pleural Thickening ◽  
Air Bubble ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Exudative Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion discusses the radiographic and computed tomography (CT) manifestations of this entity. Pleural effusion is classified based on pleural fluid analysis using Light’s criteria: transudative and exudative. Free pleural fluid collects in the most dependent aspect of the pleural space due to gravitational effects. It exhibits a meniscus configuration on upright chest radiography. Pleural effusion in a supine or semiupright patient is more difficult to identify but may be suspected in cases with a homogeneous or gradient-like opacity over the lower hemithorax, elevation of the hemidiaphragm contour, or an apical cap. Subpulmonic pleural effusion manifests with lateral displacement of the apex of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm contour and increased distance between the gastric air bubble and pseudodiaphragmatic contour. Exudative pleural effusion should be suspected in cases with CT findings of pleural thickening, enhancement, septations, and/or loculations.

scholarly journals The value of exfoliative cell cytology in the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusions

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cuneyt Tetikkurt ◽  
Nail Yılmaz ◽  
Seza Tetikkurt ◽  
Şule Gundogdu ◽  
Rian Disci
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Exfoliative Cytology ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Cytologic Examination ◽  
Collagen Vascular Diseases ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Exudative Pleural Effusion

The sensitivity and specificity of exfoliative cell cytology for the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusions varies widely according to the etiologic causes. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of exfoliative cell cytology for the identification of exudative pleural effusions. This is a retrospective study of the patients with an exudative pleural effusion admitted at our clinic in the last twenty years. We have conducted the clinical, the cytological findings, and the diagnostic results of six hundred patients from hospital records.  Male to female ratio was 2.2:1 with a mean age of 42.8 years (range 18-78 years) among the patients. Samples were processed and evaluated according to the standard methods. Cytology results were reviewed and the patients were stratified according to the final diagnosis of their disease. Of the six hundred exudative effusions, 240 were malignant on exfoliative cytology pleural fluid alone. Adenocarcinoma was the most common type of malignancy. Tuberculosis was the second most frequent etiology for the exudative effusions followed by infection and collagen vascular diseases. Diagnostic accuracy of cytology showed a good correlation with the final diagnosis with an overall 70.1% sensitivity, 62.5% specificity, and a 95.9% positive predictive value for all exudative pleural effusions. Cytologic examination of the pleural fluid is a simple non-invasive procedure as the initial step for the diagnostic work up of patients with a pleural effusion.  Exfoliative cytology provides high a final diagnostic yield for the identification of an exudative pleural effusion etiology. Furthermore, cytologic analysis leads the clinician into the correct diagnostic pathway as the most informative laboratory tool even when it was not diagnostic by itself for equivocal cases.

scholarly journals Application of Computed Tomography (CT) Attenuation Values in Diagnosis of Transudate and Exudate in Patients with Pleural Effusion

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Keshab Sharma ◽  
PS Lamichhane ◽  
BK Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Hounsfield Units ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Ct Attenuation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Attenuation Values

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.

Pleural Effusion

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael S. Andrade ◽  
Eitan Podgaetz
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Tube Placement ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Management Algorithm ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Basic Facts ◽  
Subcutaneous Tunneling

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.

scholarly journals Diagnostic accuracy of semirigid thoracoscopy in exudative pleural effusions and relationship of thoracoscopic findings with probability of malignant diagnosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Kuwal ◽  
Manish Advani ◽  
Naveen Dutt ◽  
Seemant Saini ◽  
Surjit Singh
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Histopathological Diagnosis ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Related Complication ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Exudative Pleural Effusion

Semirigid thoracoscopy is increasingly becoming the procedure of choice for evaluation of undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions. Few studies have reported relationship of thoracoscopic appearances of pleural abnormalities and etiological diagnoses. We aimed our study to assess the diagnostic utility and safety of semirigid thoracoscopy for evaluation of patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion. Further, we also pursued to find any relation of various thoracoscopic findings with the final diagnosis. We prospectively enrolled hospitalized patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion who underwent semirigid thoracoscopy. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data along with data on thoracoscopic appearance of various pleural abnormalities and histopathological diagnosis of pleural biopsy specimens were collected and analysed. Semirigid thoracoscopy was diagnostic in 46 (N=55) patients (83.64%). Malignancy was diagnosed in 31 patients (56.36%), of which adenocarcinoma was the most common histopathological diagnosis (45.16%).  Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV LR+ and LR- of thoracoscopy were 93.87%, 100%, 100%, 66.67%, 40.30 and 0.06, respectively. Pleural nodules, masses and hemorrhagic pleural fluid significantly increased the diagnosis yield of malignancy [OR= 37.16 (95%CI = 3.61-382.65),  =0.002]. The procedure related complications were mild and transient. Post- procedural pain (20%) was most commonly reported followed by dry cough (18.18%), sub-cutaneous emphysema (7.27%) and anaesthesia related complication (1.82%). Semirigid thoracoscopy is simple, safe and effective procedure in diagnosing exudative pleural effusion of unknown etiology with high diagnostic accuracy and minor procedure related complications. The likelihood of diagnosing malignancy is high if combination of pleural nodules, masses and hemorrhagic pleural fluid is present.

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
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Cholesterol Level ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Etiological Diagnosis ◽  
Multiple Parameters ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Cholesterol Levels

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

scholarly journals Diagnostic Performance of Pleural Fluid Adenosine Deaminase for Tuberculous Pleural Effusion in a Low-Incidence Setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Blakiston ◽  
Weldon Chiu ◽  
Conroy Wong ◽  
Susan Morpeth ◽  
Susan Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Adenosine Deaminase ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tuberculous Pleural Effusion

ABSTRACT The challenges associated with diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion have led to the use of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (pfADA) as a biomarker for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This study retrospectively reviewed the diagnostic performance of pfADA, the pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (LD)/ADA ratio, and combinations of these two parameters in 1,637 episodes of pleural effusion in the low-tuberculosis (TB)-incidence setting of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, from between March 2008 and November 2014. The median pfADA in 57 TB pleural effusion episodes (58.1 U/liter) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in 1,580 non-TB pleural effusions (11.4 U/liter). The median LD/ADA ratio in TB pleural effusion (8.2) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in non-TB pleural effusions (30.5). The pfADA and pleural fluid LD/ADA ratio AUCROC values (that is, receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve analysis with determination of the ROC area under the curve) were 0.93 and 0.94, respectively. The pfADA thresholds of ≥15 and ≥30 U/liter demonstrated sensitivities of 100% (95% confidence internal = 93.7 to 100) and 93.0% (83.3 to 97.2), specificities of 62.7% (60.3 to 65.0) and 87.3% (85.6 to 88.9), positive predictive values (PPVs) of 8.8% (6.9 to 11.2) and 20.9% (16.4 to 26.4), and negative predictive values (NPVs) of 100% (99.6 to 100) and 99.7% (99.3 to 99.9), respectively. LD/ADA ratio thresholds of <25 and <15 demonstrated sensitivities of 100% (93.5 to 100) and 89.1% (78.2 to 94.9), specificities of 61.6% (59.1 to 64.0) and 84.8% (82.9 to 86.5), PPVs of 8.5% (6.6 to 10.9) and 17.3% (13.3 to 22.0), and NPVs of 100% (99.6 to 100) and 99.5% (99.0 to 99.8), respectively. A combination of pfADA ≥ 30 U/liter and an LD/ADA ratio < 15 increased the specificity and PPV to 97.8% (96.9 to 98.4) and 57.3% (46.5 to 67.5) but decreased the sensitivity to 85.5% (73.8 to 92.4). The primary value of pfADA in a low-TB-incidence setting, such as Auckland, is in utilization of its high NPV.

scholarly journals Comparison of diagnostic yield and complications of bronchoscopy, closed pleural biopsy and medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in undiagnosed pleural effusions

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 388
Author(s):  
Kizhakkepeedika Davis Rennis ◽  
Jaboy Bibin ◽  
Vadakkan Thomas ◽  
Easwaramangalath Venugopal Krishnakumar
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Pleural Biopsy ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Medical Thoracoscopy ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Blunt Trocar ◽  
Exudative Pleural Effusion

Background: Undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion is a commonly encountered clinical scenario, which requires further evaluation. This study was aimed to analyze the diagnostic yield and complications of three procedures- Bronchoscopy, closed (Abram’s) pleural biopsy and medical thoracoscopy. Further, this study assessed whether combining closed pleural biopsy with bronchoscopy can be a substitute for medical thoracoscopy.Methods: An observational study was conducted among people with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion. Initially, closed pleural biopsies were performed with Abrams needle and multiple tissue fragments were taken through the incision and the samples were sent in formalin to the laboratory for histopathology examination. For thoracoscopy, a cannula of 10 mm diameter with blunt trocar was inserted into the pleural cavity and semi rigid thoracoscope was introduced through the trocar. Bronchoscopy was performed 48 hours after thoracoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated and compared.Results: Out of 25 people, 14 were diagnosed to have malignancy and 7 were diagnosed tuberculosis. The overall sensitivity of the three procedures were 28.5% for closed pleural biopsy, 14.2% for bronchoscopy, 95.2% for medical thoracoscopy, 42.8% for the combined pleural biopsy and bronchoscopy. The complication rate was lowest for bronchoscopy (4%), followed by medical thoracoscopy (8%) and closed pleural biopsy (16%).Conclusions: Medical thoracoscopy is a comparatively safe procedure which has got the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions. Bronchoscopy combined with closed pleural biopsy, the diagnostic yield was increased (than that of individual yield), but cannot be a substitute for medical thoracoscopy.

scholarly journals Frequency of Tuberculosis and Malignancy in Transudative-pleural effusions: A rare but real finding

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 296-301
Author(s):  
Abdul Rasheed Qureshi ◽  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Huma Bilal ◽  
Muhammad Sajid ◽  
Zeeshan Ashraf
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Node ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Lymph Node Biopsy ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Node Biopsy ◽  
Serum Protein Level ◽  
Protein Serum

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.  

Pleural Effusion

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael S. Andrade ◽  
Eitan Podgaetz
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Tube Placement ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Management Algorithm ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Basic Facts ◽  
Subcutaneous Tunneling

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.

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