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Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The management of malignant pleural effusion MPE is still a therapeutic challenge to both the pulmonologist and oncologist with the primary goal being directed towards the improvement of life quality and symptom reduction. The presence of cancerous cells in the fluid or tissue biopsy is typically required to distinguish between malignant pleural effusions MPE and benign pleural effusions BPE . The value of the clinical, thoracoscopic features to early predicts MPE cases has not yet been established. Aim of the Work: This study aimed to assess the clinical and thoracoscopic predictors of MPE to permit rapid management of these patients. Patient and Methods: 40 patients who were 18 years of age or older and had an undiagnosed pleural effusion who were scheduled for thoracoscopy at the chest department of El-Hussein University Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 participated in this study. Results: The thoracoscopic findings revealed that the MPE group had a statistically significant increase in the visceral pleural nodules, pleural lymphangitis, hyperemia and thickening compared to the BPE group. Additionally, compared to the BPE group, the MPE group displayed a statistically significant increase in costoparietal pleural lymphatic enlargement, hyperemia, and thickness. The MPE group significantly outperformed the BPE group in terms of hyperemia and confined lungs. Conclusion The correlation between the clinical, laboratory, radiological and thoracoscopic criteria of malignant pleural effusion may permit better indication of thoracoscopy in the study of pleural effusion with better and rapid management of these cases.

Keywords

malignant pleural effusion MPE, thoracoscope, pleurodesis.

Subject Area

Chest

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