A Combination of Ultrasound Characteristics with Macroscopic and Biochemical Features to Diagnose the Etiology of Lymphocytic Pleural Effusions

• DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13233502
• Publication Date: 2023-11-22T08:54:37Z
• Authors: Nevenka Piskac Zi...; Danijel Cvetko; Marcela Zivkovic; Brankica Simac; Marina Zelenika M...; Ivona Kovacevic; Linda Malnar Janes; Kristina Lalic; Zvonka Guzvinec; Anja Ljilja Posavec; Hrvoje Feljan; Mirna Vergles; Zeljko Kuster
• Keywords: Etiology

The primary aim of this study was to improve the diagnosis lymphocytic pleural effusions (LPEs) by combining their ultrasound characteristics with macroscopic and biochemical features.This prospective, single-center, clinical observational conducted over a period three years. possible malignant etiology LPEs assessed using several diagnostic criteria: 1. LPEs; 2. typical combinations features; 3. logistic regression method parameters-pleural nodularity, absence fibrin, serum protein concentration.Eighty-four patients were included in study. Pleural nodularity (first criterion) an characteristic that yielded best individual results (p < 0.001) differentiation nonmalignant etiologies (accuracy 73.81%). combination second third criteria prediction (sensitivity 90.48%, specificity 83.33%, PPV 84.44%, NPV 89.74%, accuracy 86.90%). Based on prospective study, protocol for procedure without definitive fluid has been proposed.A features improved predictive LPEs.