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

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 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.

scholarly journals Assessment of the diagnostic value of CEA, CA125, and CRP and their cut-off point for discrimination of exudative pleural effusions

Bionatura ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 1944-1947
Author(s):  
Hanie Raji ◽  
Seyed Hamid Borsi ◽  
Mehrdad Dargahi MalAmir ◽  
Ahmad Reza Asadollah Salmanpour
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Tumor Marker ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Tumor Markers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean

Pleural effusion is divided into exudative and transudative effusion, and the distinction between exudate and transudate requires multiple investigations of biochemical parameters and their comparison in pleural fluid and serum. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of CEA, CA125, and CRP and their cut-off point for discrimination of exudative pleural effusions. This epidemiological and cross-sectional study was performed on 50 patients aged between 18 to 90 years with the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz in 2018 and 2019. Demographic and clinical information of patients were collected. The pleural effusion was diagnosed based on physical examination and chest radiography. Pleural effusion was confirmed by thoracentesis. A pleural fluid sample was taken from all patients, and the levels of CEA, CA125, and CRP markers were measured in the pleural fluid. Differentiation of transudate and exudate pleural effusions was performed using Light criteria. The mean CEA and CA125 level of pleural fluid were significantly higher, and the mean CRP level of pleural fluid was significantly lower in patients with malignant diagnoses (P <0.05). Cut-off value with highest sensitivity and specificity in differentiating types of exudative pleural effusions was obtained for CEA tumor marker (greater than 49.8), CA125 tumor marker (greater than 814.02), and CRP marker (less than 7.56). Also, in differentiating types of exudative pleural effusions, CEA tumor marker had sensitivity (89.03%) and specificity (78.42%); CA125 tumor marker had sensitivity (53.18%) and specificity (62.44%), and CRP marker had sensitivity (82.16%), and specificity (89.05%) were. Although the tumor markers had high specificity in the present study, the low sensitivity of some of these tumor markers reduced their diagnostic value. On the other hand, given the numerous advantages of tumor markers, such as low cost and non-invasive, combining them with another can increase the diagnostic value and accuracy.

scholarly journals Sonographic Bedside Quantification of Pleural Effusion Compared to Computed Tomography Volumetry in ICU Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (04) ◽  
pp. E131-E135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Teichgräber ◽  
Judith Hackbarth
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Supine Position ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
The Us ◽  
Volumetric Estimation ◽  
Scan Data

Abstract To date, the reliability of ultrasound for the quantitative assessment of pleural effusion has been limited. In the following study, an easy and cost-effective bedside ultrasound method was developed and investigated for specific use in the intensive care unit (ICU). 22 patients (median age: 58.5 years, range: 37–88 years, 14 men and 8 women) with a total of 31 pleural effusions were examined in the ICU. The inclusion criterion was complete visualization of the effusion on chest computed tomography (CT). The ultrasound (US) examination was performed less than 6 h after the diagnostic CT scan. The pleural effusion volume was calculated volumetrically from the CT scan data. Within 4.58 +/- 2.87 h after the CT scan, all patients were re-examined with US in the ICU. The fluid crescent's thickness was measured between each intercostal space (ICS) with the patient in a supine position and a 30° inclination of the torso. The US measurements were compared to the calculated CT volumes using regression analysis, resulting in the following formula: V=13.330 x ICS6 (V=volume of the effusion [ml]; ICS6=sonographic measurement of the thickness of the liquid crescent [mm] in the sixth ICS).A significant correlation between the sonographically measured and the CT-calculated volumes was best observed for the sixth ICS (R2=0.589; ICC=0.7469 with p<0.0001 and a 95% CI of 0.5364–0.8705).The sonographic assessment of pleural effusions in a supine position and a 30° inclination of the torso is feasible for the volumetric estimation of pleural effusion. This is especially true for ICU patients with severe primary diseases and orthopnea who are unable to sit upright or lie flat.

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 STUDY OF PLEURAL FLUID TO SERUM CHOLINESTERASE RATIO TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN TRANSUDATE AND EXUDATE AND ITS CORRELATION WITH LIGHT'S CRITERIA

2020 ◽  
pp. 29-31
Author(s):  
Manohar MR ◽  
Deepti Shetty ◽  
Vikram VM
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Pleural Fluid ◽  
Clinical Condition ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Serum Cholinesterase ◽  
P Value ◽  
Good Sensitivity ◽  
Pleural Effusions ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
The Mean

Background: Pleural effusion is a common clinical condition faced in everyday practice. The first step in the management of pleural effusion is its differentiation into transudates and exudates. Light’s criteria is the most widely used parameter to differentiate pleural effusions but studies have shown that Light’s criteria misclassifies a significant amount of cases. Methods: Study included 125 patients who had pleural effusion who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Duration of the study was 12 months. Results: Accordingly the mean value of this ratio was 0.10 + 0.05 in the transudates group and 0.39 + 0.14 in the exudates group. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). This ratio misclassified 5 cases. Among them 2 (3.2%) were transudates that were misdiagnosed as exudates and 3 (4.8%) were exudates that were misdiagnosed as transudates.In this study Light’s criteria misclassified 13 cases in total with a sensitivity of 91.9% and a specificity of 87.3%. Conclusions: Light’s criteria has a good sensitivity and specificity but P/S ChE was the most efficient parameter in differentiating between transudates and exudates in this study.

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 Efficacy of Computed Tomography (CT) Attenuation Values and CT Findings in the Differentiation of Pleural Effusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
pp. 100-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kadihan Yalçin-Şafak ◽  
Neslihan Umarusman-Tanju ◽  
Muhammet Ayyıldız ◽  
Nihal Yücel ◽  
Tamer Baysal
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Ct Findings ◽  
Ct Attenuation ◽  
Attenuation Values

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.  

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