Comparison of efficacy of lung ultrasound and chest X-ray in diagnosing pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients: A single centre, prospective, observational study

Background and Aims While chest X-ray (CXR) has been a conventional tool in intensive care units (ICUs) to identify lung pathologies, computed tomography (CT) scan remains the gold standard. Use of lung ultrasound (LUS) in resource-rich ICUs is still under investigation. The present study compares the utility of LUS to that of CXR in identifying pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients. In addition, consolidation and pneumothorax were analyzed as secondary outcome measures. Material and Methods This is a prospective, single centric, observational study. Patients admitted in ICU were examined for lung pathologies, using LUS by a trained intensivist;and CXR done within 4 hours of each other. The final diagnosis was ascertained by an independent senior radiologist, based on the complete medical chart including clinical findings and the results of thoracic CT, if available. The results were compared and analyzed. Results Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 95%, 94.4%, 94.67% for pleural effusion;and 98.33%, 97.78%, 98.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 48.33%, 76.67%, 65.33% for pleural effusion;and 36.67%, 82.22% and 64.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 91.30%, 96.85%, 96.00% for consolidation;and 100.00%, 79.02%, 80.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 60.87%, 81.10%, 78.00% for consolidation;and 71.3%, 97.20%, 96.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Conclusion LUS has better diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of pleural effusion and pulmonary edema when compared with CXR and is thus recommended as an effective alternative for diagnosis of these conditions in acute care settings. Our study recommends that a thoracic CT scan can be avoided in most of such cases.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided thermal ablation for liver tumor with artificial pleural effusion or ascites

Background and Objective:Percutaneous ultrasound-guided thermal ablation is one of the major treatment methods for liver cancer.Tumor location close to the diaphragm or gastrointestinal tract was regarded as the treatment contraindication before due to poor visibility of the tumor or increased risk of thermal injury to the adjacent organs.This study used artificial pleural effusion or ascites to extend the indications of thermal ablation for liver cancer.Methods:Artificial pleural effusion (20 cases) or ascites (36 cases) was performed in 56 difficult cases of percutaneous thermal ablation for liver tumors.The technical success rates, the rate of approaching the procedure goal, complications, and local treatment response were assessed.Results:The technical success rates were 95%(19/20) for artificial pleural effusion and 100% (36/36) for artificial ascites, the achieve purpose rates were 100%(19/19) and 91.7% (33/36), the complete ablation rates were 84.2% (16/19) and 93.9% (31/33), respectively.Coughing, transient hematuria, and subcutaneous effusion were observed in 3 patients after the procedure of artificial pleural effusion, and hydrothorax in the right chest occurred in 1 patient during the artificial ascites process.Conclusions:Thermal ablation with the use of artificial pleural effusion or ascites is a safe and effective treatment for liver tumors, and the technique can widen the indications of thermal ablation for liver tumors.

Pulmonary Edema and Pleural Effusion Detection Using Efficient Net-V1-B4 Architecture and AdamW Optimizer from Chest X-Rays Images

This paper presents a novelmulticlass systemdesigned to detect pleural effusion and pulmonary edema on chest Xray images,addressing the critical need for early detection in healthcare.A new comprehensive dataset was formed by combining 28,309 samples from the ChestX-ray14,PadChest,and CheXpert databases,with 10,287,6022,and 12,000 samples representing Pleural Effusion,Pulmonary Edema,and Normal cases,respectively.Consequently,the preprocessing step involves applying the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization(CLAHE)method to boost the local contrast of the X-ray samples,then resizing the images to 380×380 dimensions,followed by using the data augmentation technique.The classification task employs a deep learning model based on the EfficientNet-V1-B4 architecture and is trained using the AdamW optimizer.The proposed multiclass system achieved an accuracy(ACC)of 98.3%,recall of 98.3%,precision of 98.7%,and F1-score of 98.7%.Moreover,the robustness of the model was revealed by the Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)analysis,which demonstrated an Area Under the Curve(AUC)of 1.00 for edema and normal cases and 0.99 for effusion.The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposedmulti-class system,which has the potential to assist clinicians in timely and accurate diagnosis,leading to improved patient outcomes.Notably,ablation-CAM visualization at the last convolutional layer portrayed further enhanced diagnostic capabilities with heat maps on X-ray images,which will aid clinicians in interpreting and localizing abnormalities more effectively.

Factors Influencing Pleural Effusion after Fontan Operation:an Analysis with 95 Patients

Objective To investigate the association between preoperative,operative,and postoperative factors and persistent pleural effusion after the extracardiac Fontan procedure. Methods Ninety-five consecutive patients diagnosed with univentricular heart underwent extracardiac connection using Gore-Tax conduits at the Department of Children’s Heart Centre,Justus-Liebig-University Giessen in Germany from June 1996 to July 2007. The outcome measures were duration and volume of chest tube drainage after surgical intervention. The investigated factors included age and weight at the time of operation,anatomical diagnosis,preoperative oxygen saturation,mean pulmonary artery pressure,ventricular end-diastolic pressure,fenestration,cardiopulmonary bypass time,conduit size,postoperative pulmonary artery pressure,administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors,and postoperative infection. Associations between these factors and persistent pleural effusion after the extracardiac Fontan procedure were analyzed. Results Every patient suffered postoperative effusion. The median duration of postoperative chest tube drainage was 9 days (range,3-69 days),and the median volume was 12 mL·kg-1·d-1 (range,2.0-37.5 mL·kg-1·d-1). Thirty-seven (38.9%) patients had pleural drainage for more than 15 days,and the volume in 35 (36.8%) patients exceeded 25 mL·kg-1·d-1. Nineteen (20%) patients required placement of additional chest tubes for re-accumulation of pleural effusion after removal of previous chest tubes. Fifteen (17.8%) patients were hospitalized again due to pleural effusion after discharge. The median length of hospital stay after the operation was 14 days (range,4-78 days). Multivariate analysis results showed that non-fenestration,low preoperative oxygen saturation,and postoperative infections were independent risk factors for prolonged duration of pleural drainage (P<0.05). Long cardiopulmonary bypass time,non-fenestration,small conduit size,and low preoperative oxygen saturation were independent risk factors for excessive volume of pleural drainage (P<0.05).Conclusions For reduing postoperative duration and volume of pleural drainage following Fontan procedure,it seems to be important to improve the preoperative oxygen saturation,use large size of conduit,shorten cardiopulmonary bypass time,and make fenestration during the operation,as well as avoid postoperative infections.

Pleural effusion,ascites,colon ulcers and hematochezia:What we can learn from the diagnostic process of a patient with plasma cell myeloma:A case report

BACKGROUND Plasma cell myeloma(PCM)is characterized by hypercalcemia,renal impairment,anemia,and bone destruction.While pleural effusion,ascites,abdominal pain,and bloody stool are common manifestations of lung disease or gastrointestinal disorders,they are rarely observed in patients with PCM.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old woman presented with complaints of recurrent chest tightness,wheezing,and abdominal bloating accompanied by bloody stools.Computed tomography revealed pleural effusion and ascites.Pleural effusion tests showed inflammation,but the T-cell spot test and carcinoembryonic antigen were negative.Endoscopy showed colonic mucosal edema with ulcer formation and local intestinal lumen stenosis.Echocardiography revealed enlarged atria and reduced left ventricular systolic function.The diagnosis remained unclear.Further testing revealed elevated blood light chain lambda and urine immunoglobulin levels.Blood immunofixation electrophoresis was positive for immunoglobulin G lambda type.Smear cytology of the bone marrow showed a high proportion of plasma cells,accounting for about 4.5%.Histopathological examination of the bone marrow suggested PCM.Flow cytometry showed abnormal plasma cells with strong expression of CD38,CD138,cLambda,CD28,CD200,and CD117.Fluorescence in situ hybridization gene testing of the bone marrow suggested 1q21 gene amplification,but cytogenetic testing showed no clonal abnormalities.Colonic mucosa and bone marrow biopsy tissues were negative for Highman Congo red staining.The patient was finally diagnosed with PCM.CONCLUSION A diagnosis of PCM should be considered in older patients with pleural effusion,ascites,and multi-organ injury.

Initial 12-h Operative Fluid Volume is an Independent Risk Factor for Pleural Effusion after Hepatectomy

Pleural effusion after hepatectomy is associated with significant morbidity and prolonged hospital stays.Several studies have addressed the risk factors for postoperative pleural effusion.However,there are no researches concerning the role of the initial 12-h operative fluid volume.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the initial 12-h operative fluid volume during liver resection is an independent risk factor for pleural effusion after hepatectomy.In this study,we retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 470 patients consecutively undergoing elective hepatectomy between January 2011 and December 2012.We prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed baseline and clinical data,including preoperative,intraoperative,and postoperative variables.Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify whether the initial 12-h operative fluid volume was an independent risk factor for pleural effusion after hepatectomy.The multivariate analysis identified 2 independent risk factors for pleural effusion：operative time [odds ratio（OR）=10.2] and initial 12-h operative fluid volume（OR=1.0003）.Threshold effect analyses revealed that the initial 12 h operative fluid volume was positively correlated with the incidence of pleural effusion when the initial 12-h operative fluid volume exceeded 4636 m L.We conclude that the initial 12-h operative fluid volume during liver resection and operative time are independent risk factors for pleural effusion after hepatectomy.Perioperative intravenous fluids should be restricted properly.

Comparison of intra-pleural injection efficacy between Endostar and Bevacizumab combined with pemetrexed/cisplatin for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-/anaplastic lymphoma kinase-lung adenocarci

Objective To compare intra-pleural injection efficacy and safety between Endostar and bevacizumab combined with pemetrexed/cisplatin for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)-/anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)-lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Sixty-four pCVatients with EGFR-/ALK-lung adenocarcinoma with malignant pleural effusion(MPE) were admitted to the authors' hospital between January 2016 and June 2017. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Endostar combined with pemetrexed/cisplatin(Endostar group); and bevacizumab plus pemetrexed/cisplatin(Bevacizumab group). They underwent thoracic puncture and catheterization, and MPE was drained as much as possible. Both groups were treated with pemetrexed 500 mg/m^2, intravenous drip(d1), cisplatin 37.5 mg/m^2 per time, intra-pleural injection(d1, d3). Patients in the Endostar group were treated with Endostar 30 mg per time, intra-pleural injection(d1, 3), and patients in the Bevacizumab group were treated with bevacizumab 5 mg/kg per time, intra-pleural injection(d1). Only one cycle of treatment was applied. MPE was extracted before treatment and on day 7 after treatment. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) were determined using ELISA. Efficacy and side effects were evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST) version 1.1, and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events(CTCAE) version 3.0 criteria. Results The objective response rates in the Endostar and Bevacizumab groups were 50.0% and 56.3%, respectively; there was no statistical difference between the groups(P > 0.05). After one cycle of treatment, the mean VEGF levels in MPE in both groups decreased significantly, and there was no significant difference in the degree of decline between the two groups(P > 0.05). In both groups, pre-treatment VEGF levels for patients achieving complete response were significantly higher than those for patients achieving stable disease + progressive disease(P < 0.05). No specific side effects were recorded. Conclusion Endostar and Bevacizumab demonstrated similar efficacy in controlling MPE in patients with EGFR-/ALK-lung adenocarcinoma through an anti-angiogenesis pathway, with tolerable side effects. The levels of VEGF in MPE could predict the efficacy of intra-pleural injection of anti-angiogenesis drugs.

Application of malignant pleural effusion cell blocks in the diagnosis and personalized treatment of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of immunocytochemistry and related gene detection using cell block for the diagnosis and individualized treatment of advanced lung cancer.Methods Sixty-five malignant pleural effusion specimens were collected to make cell blocks, which were used for hematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining, immunocytochemical studies, and gene sequencing of the tumors to guide the individualized diagnoses and treatment of the given tumors. Results The tumor cells in the cell block sections were abundant in number with high quality cellular structures, and the histological morphological characteristics were partially maintained. Immunocytochemical staining was helpful in identifying the cell origin and tumor classification, and amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS) was used to determine the mutation status of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR). Of the 65 samples, 50 had a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, 7 were pulmonary squamous cells, 6 were small cell carcinoma of the lung, and 2 were mesothelioma. The morphological features of the tumors were as follows: acinar formation, papillary and single cells for adenocarcinoma;intercellular bridges for squamous cell carcinoma;and morphology of the small cells is similar to that of the smear. Correlating with the results of immunocytochemical staining and clinical data analysis, 40 cases were confirmed as pulmonary adenocarcinoma, with an additional 4 cases of breast cancer, 3 cases of ovarian adenocarcinoma, and 3 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Of the 47 non-small cell lung carcinoma(NSCLC) patients, EGFR mutations were detected in 26 cases(55.3%) by ARMS, with four mutation types: exon 19 deletion(13 cases, 50.0%), exon 2l point mutations L858R(11 cases, 42.3%) and L861Q(1 case, 3.8%), and exon 18 point mutation G719X(1 case, 3.8%). Conclusion Malignant pleural effusion cell blocks combined with immunocytochemical markers and molecular pathology are helpful for the diagnosis of advanced tumors, the identification of tumor properties and histological tumor origin, and the selection of individualized treatment for advanced lung cancer.

Pleural effusion in an immunocompetent host with cryptococcal pneumonia:A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection that mainly occurs among immunocompromised patients although it can sometimes occur in immunocompetent individuals.However,the imaging findings of pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent hosts differ from those in immunosuppressed patients.In addition,the most common imaging findings of isolated pulmonary cryptococcosis are single or multiple nodules.Cavities and the halo sign are,however,prevalent in immunosuppressed patients.In immunocompetent patients,lung consolidation,pleural effusion or cavities are scarce.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old Asian male was admitted to our hospital with complaints of cough and fever that had persisted for a month.As a chest computed tomography scan showed consolidation in his left lower lobe,he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and received antibiotic treatment.A second review of the chest computed tomography image revealed multiple cavities and pleural effusion.Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was subsequently performed,bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum cryptococcal antigen tests were positive.Cryptococcus capsules were observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ink stain.Histopathological examination of a percutaneous lung biopsy from the left lower lobe further revealed granulomatous inflammation,and periodic acid-Schiff staining showed red-colored yeast walls,signifying pulmonary cryptococcosis.The patient was then treated with a daily dose of fluconazole(0.4 g),but the cough and fever still persisted.We therefore changed treatment to voriconazole(0.2 g,twice a day),and the patient’s clinical outcome was satisfactory.CONCLUSION Although rare,clinicians should not disregard the possibility of cavities and pleural effusion occurring in immunocompetent hosts without underlying diseases.

Diagnostic Utility of Sago-Like Nodules on Gross Thoracoscopic Appearance in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion and Their Correlation with Final Histo-Microbiologic Findings

Background: Distinguishing tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) from other causes of exudative effusion is often challenging. Delay in treatment initiation can occur while awaiting histo-microbiologic confirmation owing to the paucibacillary nature of the disease. Sago-like nodules are the most common visual finding on gross thoracoscopic appearance. The primary objective was to determine the diagnostic utility of the presence of sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance in TPE to help justify early initiation of tuberculosis (TB) treatment based on their finding while awaiting final histo-microbiologic confirmation. Secondary objective was to study the correlation between the presence of sago-like nodules and the final histo-microbiologic findings in pleural biopsy specimens. Methods: This was a retrospective-descriptive study of all patients with exudative pleural effusion who underwent diagnostic medical thoracoscopy (MT) at Hamad General Hospital during an eight-year period (from January, 2008 to December, 2015). Results: The presence of sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance of the pleural surface had a sensitivity of 58%, a specificity of 89% and a positive predictive value of 97% for TPE with a diagnostic accuracy of 62%. There is significant association between the presence of sago-like nodules and demonstration of granulomatous inflammation in pleural biopsy specimens (P = 0.000). There is no association between sago-like nodules and positive TB smear and culture in biopsy specimens. Conclusion: The presence of sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance has a high specificity and positive predictive value for TPE and significantly correlates with the presence of granulomatous inflammation. Patients from TB prevalent areas with exudative pleural effusion and sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance may be commenced on TB chemotherapy while awaiting final histologic confirmation.

Persistence of Pleural Effusions and Empyemas after Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Implementation in Uruguay

In Uruguay a post pneumococcal conjugate vaccine implementation surveillance of hospitalized children with pneumonia showed an increase of complicated pneumonias, while uncomplicated pneumonias decreased. Out of 151 pleural effusions, 62 were empyemas requiring drainage, the rest of cases were treated with antibiotics with a favorable outcome. Patient’s vaccinated status varied. Pneumococcal etiology was poorly documented. The few identified sero-types were 1 and 3, a fact that urges PCV13 use for their control.

Presentation of Boerhaave's syndrome as an upper-esophageal perforation associated with a right-sided pleural effusion:A case report

BACKGROUND Spontaneous esophageal rupture or Boerhaave’s syndrome is a rare and acute disease with a high incidence of misdiagnosis and mortality.Here,we aimed to explore the clinical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of spontaneous esophageal rupture,and to analyze the causes of misdiagnosis during the treatment of spontaneous esophageal rupture.CASE SUMMARY The clinical features of the patient with spontaneous esophageal rupture misdiagnosed earlier as pleural effusion were retrospectively analyzed and the reasons for misdiagnosis are discussed based on a current review of the literature.The patient was admitted to a local hospital due to shortness of breath accompanied by vomiting and abdominal distension for five hours.Based on the computed tomography(CT)scan analysis,clinically,right pleural effusion was diagnosed.However,the patient was unwilling to undergo right closed thoracic drainage.The patient also had intermittent fevers against infection,and during the course of treatment,he complained of chest pain,following which,he was transferred to our hospital.Grapefruit-like residue drainage fluid was observed.Re-examination of the chest CT scans suggested the presence of spontaneous perforation in the upper left esophagus.Therefore,the patient underwent an urgent esophageal hiatus repair.Unfortunately,the patient died of infection and respiratory failure due to progressive dyspnea after surgery.CONCLUSION Spontaneous esophageal rupture is a rare disease associated with high fatality.The patients do not present typical clinical symptoms and the disease progresses rapidly.This case report highlights the importance of a dynamic review of chest CT scan,not only for the initial identification of segmental injury but also for prioritizing subsequent treatment strategies.Moreover,we have presented some clues for clinicians to recognize and diagnose spontaneous esophageal rupture at rare sites(upper-esophageal segment)through this case report of spontaneous esophageal rupture that caused the patient’s death.We have also summarized the reasons for the misdiagnosis and lessons learned.

Regional hyperthermia combined with intrapleural chemotherapy in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of regional hyperthermia combined with intrapleural chemotherapy and to evaluate the effect on the immunologic cells and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with malignant pleural effusion. Methods: The 102 patients with malignant pleural effusion were included in this study: 52 patients undergoing regional hyperthermia with intrapleural chemotherapy (HICT), and 50 patients treated with intrapleural chemotherapy (ICT). Chemotherapy was administered into the thoracic cavity weekly through a tube with CDDP (dose = 40 mg/m2), and hyperthermia was performed twice a week for 60 minutes following the ICT. We evaluated the response rates and side-effects after 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, T cell subsets and NK cells were detected by flow cytometry and VEGF was measured with ELISA kits. Results: Compared HICT to ICT, the overall response rates of the whole group, breast cancers and lung cancers were 80.8% vs 54% (P < 0.01), 86.7% vs 56.3% (P > 0.05) and 78.4% vs 52.9% (P < 0.05) respectively. The ratios of CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells increased and the concentration of VEGF decreased more significantly after HICT. Conclusion: We concluded that combined regional hyperthermia with intrapleural chemotherapy could control the malignant pleural effusion effectively with mild toxicity. The levels of the T cell subset, NK cells and VEGF in both blood and effusion changed obviously.

Development of a recurrent pleural effusion in a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension treated with imatinib

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease associated with progressive elevation in pulmonary pressures that eventually leads to chronic right heart failure and death. At present, agents with vasodilatory properties are being used to palliate the symptoms associated with PAH but there is a need for therapies that can prevent or even reverse established disease. Several lines of evidence have suggested that tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib may have a role in reducing progression and improving outcomes in these patients, but their side effect profile is unclear. We present a case of a 55-year-old female with PAH secondary to connective tissue disease treated with triple PAH specific therapy and compassionate-use imatinib who developed a massive right pleural effusion. Despite multiple therapeutic thoracentesis and aggressive diuresis, the pleural effusion continued to re-accumulate necessitating chest tube placement. Resolution of the pleural effusion was finally achieved after imatinib was held, arguing that the patient’s presentation likely was a drug-related event. We believe that our case highlights a serious adverse reaction to imatinib therapy and stresses the need for more studies to evaluate the safety profile of this medication in patients with PAH.

Study on the Correlation between Syndrome Differentiation of Malignant Pleural Effusion Treated by External Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunohistochemistry of Biopsy Tissue Based on Medical Video-assisted Thoracoscope

Objective:Guided by the theory of syndrome differentiation of yin and yang in traditional Chinese medicine surgery,through visual observation of internal medicine thoracoscope,comprehensive observation of pleural cavity and immunohistochemistry of biopsy tissue,to classify malignant pleural effusion according to syndrome differentiation,and to explore the scientific nature of its theory.Methods:From March 1,2014 to February 28,2015,40 cases of malignant pleural effusion were treated in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University.According to the proposed TCM diagnostic criteria for yin and yang syndrome differentiation,and collect age,gender,course of disease,clinical symptoms,tumor primary focus,histomorphological manifestations and immunohistochemical results and other related information,and carry out statistical data processing.Results:The positive syndrome was mainly metastatic lung adenocarcinoma,which accounted for the majority of all MPE cases,up to 75%.The immunohistochemical results of biopsy tissues were mainly CEA and TTF-1 positive;While pleural effusion caused by pleural mesothelioma was the main type of yin syndrome,and the results of immunohistochemistry combined with biopsy were mainly positive for D2-40,Calretinin,WT-1 and CK5/6.Conclusion:TCM syndrome differentiation of MPE based on internal thoracoscopy combined with biopsy immunohistochemical results has sufficient theoretical basis and certain scientific nature,and further clinical research is needed to verify its effectiveness and practicability in the future.

转化生长因子-β1联合腺苷脱氨酶、GeneXpert MTB/RIF在结核性胸膜炎诊断中的应用观察

目的观察转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)联合腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)、GeneXpert MTB/RIF在结核性胸膜炎(TPE)诊断中的应用效果。方法选取2020年8月至2022年8月因渗出性胸腔积液来我院就诊的患者220例,病理检查最终确诊为TPE 92例(TPE组),细菌性胸腔积液(BPE)68例(BPE组),恶性胸腔积液(MPE)60例(MPE组),测定胸腔积液TGF-β1、ADA,并对胸腔积液进行GeneXpert MTB/RIF检测,比较三组检测结果,分析胸腔积液TGF-β1、ADA单独及联合检测对TPE的诊断价值并确定最佳截断值,分析TGF-β1、ADA、GeneXpert MTB/RIF单独及联合诊断TPE与病理诊断的一致性。结果三组胸腔积液TGF-β1及ADA水平比较,TPE组均为最高,其次是BPE组,MPE组最低(P<0.05);ROC曲线显示,TGF-β1、ADA诊断TPE的最佳截断值分别为31.155 ng/L、28.495 U/L,对应的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.935、0.934,联合诊断AUC为0.987;TGF-β1、ADA联合诊断与病理诊断一致性Kappa值为0.76,GeneXpert MTB/RIF单独诊断Kappa值为0.71,联合诊断Kappa值为0.83。结论TPE患者胸腔积液TGF-β1、ADA均高于细菌性及恶性胸腔积液类型,GeneXpert MTB/RIF联合胸腔积液TGF-β1、ADA检测对TPE具有较高的诊断价值,与病理诊断一致性良好。

Evaluation of serum and pleural levels of endostatin and vascular epithelial growth factor in lung cancer patients with pleural effusion

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of endostatin(ES),vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and careinoembryonie antigen(CEA) in both serum and pleural effusion of lung cancer patients.Methods:Levels of ES,VEGF and CEA in 52 malignant pleural effusion due to lung cancer and 50 patients with non-malignant disease were measured by using sandwich enzymelinked immunosorbent assay and microparticle enzyme immunoassay.Results:The ES.VEGF and CEA levels in pleural effusion and serum,and their ratio(F/S) were higher in lung cancer group than that in benign group,and the differences were statistically significant(P【0.05).The diagnostic efficiency of ES+VEGF for lung cancer was superior to either single detection.The diagnostic efficiency of ES+VEGK+CEA was superior to either ES+VEGF or ES+CEA.Conclusions: The results suggest that ES,VEGF and CEA might be useful in the differentiation between benign and malignant pleural effusion due to lung cancer.In comparison with either single determination of concentration in serum or pleural fluid,the couiljined detection of two or three markers is of important clinical significance in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Factors related to pleural effusion following hepatectomy for primary liver cancer

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion frequently complicates hepatectomy and multiple factors contribute to its development following hepatectomy for primary liver cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these factors. METHODS: From March 2003 to May 2005, 228 consecutive patients with primary liver cancer underwent hepatectomy in our department were evaluated retrospectively to identify factors related to postoperative pleural effusion. RESULTS: Among the 228 patients, postoperative pleural effusions arose in 58 (25.4%). Univariate analysis showed significant differences in postoperative ascites, subphrenic collection, Pringle manoeuvre length, drainage amount on postoperative day 1, albumin level on postoperative day 7, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level on postoperative days I and 3, prealbumin level on postoperative days 3 and 7, and tumor size (P<0.05). Ordinal regression analysis revealed that subphrenic collection, drainage on postoperative day I and ALT plus prealbumin on postoperative days I and 3 were statistically significantly related to postoperative pleural effusion (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Subphrenic collection and operative injury to the liver appeared to be significantly related to pleural effusion after hepatectomy for primary liver cancer.

Clinical Value of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Combined with Interferon-γ in Diagnosing Malignant Pleural Effusion and Tuberculous Pleural Effusion

In order to investigate the clinical value of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） combined with interferon-γ （IFN-γ） in diagnosing malignant pleural effusion and tuberculous pleural effusion, 42 cases of malignant pleural effusion and 45 cases of tuberculous pleural effusion in Tongji Hospital, from March 2004 to May 2005, were included, The carcinoembryonic antigen （CEA）, VEGF and IFN-γ levels of pleural effusion were detected by using ELISA, and adenosine deaminase （ADA） activity was determined by using enzyme kinetic analytical method. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the curve （AUCR^ROC） of CEA and VEGF, VEGF/IFN-γ ratio, ADA and IFN-γ were measured by receiver operating characteristic curve （ROC）, The results showed that CEA, VEGF levels and VEGF/IFN-γ ratio were significantly higher and the ADA and IFN-γ levels were significantly lower in malignant group than those in tuberculous group （P〈0,01）, The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUCR^ROC of VEGF/IFN-γ ratio （88,7%, 99,8%, 94,4%, 0.96 respectively） were higher than those of CEA （67.8%, 96.1%, 82,4%, 0.78 respectively） and VEGF （81,5%, 84,3%, 82.9%, 0.79 respectively）. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUCR^ROC of IFN-γ （85.7%, 96,4%, 90.9%, 0.94 respectively） were higher than those of ADA （80,2%, 87,6%, 83.8%, 0,81 respectively）. It was concluded that VEGF/IFN-γ ratio and IFN-γ could be used as valuable parameters for the differential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and tuberculous pleural effusion.

Prevention and management of pleural effusion following hepatectomy in primary liver cancer

Postoperative pleural effusion occurs frequently after hepatectomy. The risk factors, prevention and management of postoperative pleural effusion in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC) who have undergone hepatectomy and the value of the argon beam coagulator (ABC) for the prevention of pleural effusion are studied. METHODS:A total of 523 patients with PLC at our institution who had had right hepatectomy from July 2000 to June 2004 were studied retrospectively. Comparative analysis was made to identify the factors contributing to postoperative pleural effusion and the efficacy of various managements. RESULTS:Of the 523 patients whose livers were dissociated using argon beam cutting and/or coagulation, 20(3.8%) developed pleural effusions;whereas in the other 467 patients underwent hepatectomy with suture ligation of the diaphragmatic secondary wound surface during the same period, 49(10.5%) had pleural effusion (P<0.01). The factors contributing to postoperative pleural effusion included subphrenic collection, postoperative hepatic insufficiency with ascites, duration of hepatic occlusion and underlying cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Dissociation of the liver by argon beam cutting and/or coagulation can save suture ligation of the diaphragmatic secondary wound surface and may also prevent postoperative pleural effusion. Pleural drainage using an indwelling central-venous-catheter (CVC) in the pleural cavity is safe and efficacious.