Malignant pleural effusion and incidence of pleural thickening in thorax CT

Introduction :Pleural thickening and nodulation (pathological)in pleural effusions, suggest malignancy etiology. Objectives: To analyse the incidence of pathological pleural by thorax CT in malignant pleural effusions(MPE). To assess the tumoral parameters related to pleural thickening or nodular. Material and method: From 1994-2015,3316 pleural effusions are included in our date base by a protocol(pH, biochemical,ADA,count cell,cytology and biopsy). The last 100 MPE confirmed by cytology or closed pleural biopsy have been studied. In all cases the CT were valued the thickening (>10mm parietal,>7 mm diaphragmatic)or nodular images. Descriptive statistical analysis was realized. Results: From the 100 cases of MPE,58 were men (average age 68.5+-13 years).The volume of MPE was 47+-28.1%. 73 of 91(80%) showed pathological pleural CT:28 nodules,7 diaphragmatic thickening and 38 thickening in other pleural location. Cytology was malignant in 63 of 73(86%)in pathological pleura. Pleural biopsy was realized in 23 cases:15 of 20(75%)with pleural thickening were positive for malignancy(Carcinomas, mesothelioma,lymphoma). Depending on tumour origin, thickening was found from lung cancer in 35 of 46(76%), and from metastases in other locations in 83%. Conclusions: MPE presents pleural thickening in 80% of the cases. Diagnosis of MPE by cytology and biopsy show similar efficiency. Metastases of malignant pleural effusions, show pleural thickening frequently.