Vascular endothelial growth factor in pleural fluid for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant origin and its clinical applications

• DOI: 10.1510/icvts.2010.250357
• Publication Date: 2010-12-21T05:10:34Z
• Authors: A. Fiorelli; G. Vicidomini; M. Di Domenico; F. Napolitano; G. Messina; F. Morgillo; F. Ciardiello; M. Santini
• Keywords: Lactic dehydrogenase; Etiology

Our goal was to determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diagnosing pleural effusion (PE) order select patients deserving more aggressive procedures. Seventy-nine consecutive with undiagnosed unilateral PE were enrolled. Pleural VEGF levels, measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), correlated etiology PEs and other markers (protein, lactic dehydrogenase, amylase, glucose). The median level exudates (n=65) significantly higher than that transudates (P=0.0001) among exudates, it malignant (n=49) benign (P=0.005). No significant differences observed between effusions due lung cancer (n=11) [mesothelioma (n=13) and/or extra-thoracic cancer]. Among all variables evaluated, logistic regression found only presence disease (P=0.002). Analysis receiver operating characterists (ROC) curves showed areas under curve larger amylase (P=0.02), glucose (P=0.01), dehydrogenase (P=0.001) protein (P=0.01). increased diagnostic rate cytological examination by 24%. may represent a helpful adjunct conventional tools ruling out malignancy as probable diagnosis, thus guiding selection who might benefit from further invasive