Standard pleural biopsy versus CT-guided cutting-needle biopsy for diagnosis of malignant disease in pleural effusions: a randomised controlled trial

Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Pleural Forceps Biopsy in Patients With Exudative Pleural Effusion

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and procedural characteristics of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous transthoracic pleural forceps biopsy (PTPFB) in patients with exudative pleural effusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with exudative pleural effusion who underwent PTPFB between May 1, 2014, and February 28, 2023, were included in this retrospective study. The interval between percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and PTPFB, number of biopsies, procedural time, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing malignancy were computed for pleural cytology using PCD drainage, PTPFB, and combined PTPFB and pleural cytology.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients, comprising 50 male and 21 female (mean age, 69.5 ± 15.3 years), were included in this study. The final diagnoses were benign lesions in 48 patients (67.6%) and malignant in 23 patients (32.4%). The overall interval between PCD and biopsy was 2.4 ± 3.7 days. The interval between PCD and biopsy in the group that underwent delayed PTPFB was 5.2 ± 3.9 days. The mean number of biopsies was 4.5 ± 1.3. The mean procedural time was 4.4 ± 2.1 minutes. Minor bleeding complications were reported in one patient (1.4%). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for pleural cytology, PTPFB, and combined PTPFB and pleural cytology were 47.8% (11/23), 100% (48/48), and 83.1% (59/71), respectively; 65.2% (15/23), 100% (48/48), and 88.7% (63/71), respectively; and 78.3% (18/23), 100% (48/48), and 93.0% (66/71), respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy of cytology combined with PTPFB were significantly higher than those of cytological testing alone (P = 0.008 and 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Fluoroscopy-guided PTPFB is an accurate and safe diagnostic technique for patients with exudative pleural effusion, with acceptable diagnostic performance, low complication rates, and reasonable procedural times.

Imaging in pleural Mesothelioma: A review of the 16th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group

Imaging continues to gain a greater role in the assessment and clinical management of patients with mesothelioma. This communication summarizes the oral presentations from the imaging session at the 2023 International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig), which was held in Lille, France from June 26 to 28, 2023. Topics at this session included an overview of best practices for clinical imaging of mesothelioma as reported by an iMig consensus panel, emerging imaging techniques for surgical planning, radiologic assessment of malignant pleural effusion, a radiomics-based transfer learning model to predict patient response to treatment, automated assessment of early contrast enhancement, and tumor thickness for response assessment in peritoneal mesothelioma.

Chest Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Advances and Clinical Care

Many promising study results as well as technical advances for chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have demonstrated its academic and clinical potentials during the last few decades, although chest MRI has been used for relatively few clinical situations in routine clinical practice. However, the Fleischner Society as well as the Japanese Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine have published a few white papers to promote chest MRI in routine clinical practice. In this review, we present clinical evidence of the efficacy of chest MRI for 1) thoracic oncology and 2) pulmonary vascular diseases.

Advances in the diagnosis and follow-up of pleural lesions: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Pleural lesions may have heterogeneous presentation and causes. In recent years, there have been significant advances in pleural lesions diagnostics. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art, and recent updates for diagnostic modalities and monitoring regimes for pleural lesions.

AREAS COVERED

A literature search was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science for relevant articles published from 1 January 2000- 1 March 2023. This article critically appraises the radiological modalities and biopsy techniques that are employed in pleural lesions diagnostics, including chest radiography, thoracic ultrasound, computed tomography, F-fluorodeoxyglycose positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, percutaneous, and thoracoscopic pleural biopsies with reference to their strengths, limitations, and clinical use. The review asserts also the available literature regarding monitoring algorithms.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the recent advances in the field, there are several key areas for improvement, including the development and validation of minimal invasive methods and tools for risk stratification, the integration of multi-omics technologies, the implementation of standardized, evidence-based diagnostic and monitoring guidelines and increased focus on research and patient-centric approaches. The broad establishment of dedicated pleural clinics may significantly assist toward this direction.

Non-specific pleuritis: long-term follow-up outcomes

BACKGROUND

The definitive etiology of nonspecific pleuritis (NSP), the influence of the type of pleural biopsy on clinical results and the minimum duration of follow-up is controversial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective, observational study of patients ≥ 18 years with NSP confirmed by closed pleural biopsy (CPB), local anesthesia pleuroscopy (LAP), or video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients were included (mean follow-up, 14.4 months), of which 25 (15%) were diagnosed within one month; [15 (60%) malignant]. Of the remaining 142 pleural effusions (PEf), 69 (48.6%) were idiopathic; 49 (34.5%) not-malignant and 24 (16.9%) malignant (4 mesotheliomas and 20 metastasic). The diagnosis of NSP was established by CPB (7; median time to diagnosis, 9.4 months), LAT (5; 15.8 months), and VATS (8; 13.5 months) (p = 0.606). Sixty-eight patients (40.7%) died during follow-up (mean time, 12 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In a substantial percentage of patients diagnosed with NSP, a definitive diagnosis will not be obtained, a relevant number of patients will develop a malignant PEf. The diagnostic procedure used for the diagnosis of NSP does not seem to influence delay in the diagnosis of malignant PEf. The data obtained suggest that follow-up should be maintained for at least 24 months.

Analysis of invasive diagnostic techniques for pathological confirmation of pleural mesothelioma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Mesothelioma is an infrequent neoplasm with a poor prognosis that is related to exposure to asbestos and whose peak incidence in Europe is estimated from 2020. Its diagnosis is complex; imaging techniques and the performance of invasive pleural techniques being essential for pathological confirmation. The different diagnostic yields of these invasive techniques are collected in the medical literature. The present work consisted of reviewing how the definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma cases in our centre was reached to check if there was concordance with the data in the bibliography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in the period 2019-2021, analysing demographic data and exposure to asbestos, the semiology of the radiological findings and the invasive techniques performed to reach the diagnosis.

RESULTS

Twenty-six mesothelioma cases were reviewed. 22 men and 4 women. Median age 74 years. 9 patients had a history of asbestos exposure. Moderate-severe pleural effusion was the most frequent radiological finding (23/26). The sensitivity of the invasive techniques was as follows: Cytology 13%, biopsy without image guidance 11%, image-guided biopsy 93%, surgical biopsy 67%.

CONCLUSIONS

In our review, pleural biopsy performed with image guidance was the test that had the highest diagnostic yield, so it should be considered as the initial invasive test for the study of mesothelioma.

PET-CT-guided versus CT-guided biopsy in suspected malignant pleural thickening: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Pleural biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of pleural malignancy but a significant proportion will have an inconclusive biopsy despite ongoing clinical suspicion of malignancy. We investigated whether positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) targeted pleural biopsy is superior to standard CT-guided pleural biopsy following an initial non-diagnostic biopsy.

METHODS

The TARGET trial was a multicentre, parallel group randomised trial. Patients with a previous inconclusive pleural biopsy but an ongoing suspicion of pleural malignancy were randomised (1:1) to receive either CT-guided biopsy (standard care) or PET-CT followed by a targeted CT biopsy (intervention). The primary outcome was pleural malignancy correctly identified from the trial biopsy.

RESULTS

Between September 2015 and September 2018, 59 participants were randomised from eight UK hospital sites: 29 to CT-only followed by targeted biopsy and 30 to PET-CT followed by targeted biopsy. The proportion of pleural malignancy correctly identified was similar between the groups (risk ratio 1.03 (95% CI 0.83-1.29); p=0.77). The sensitivity of the trial biopsy to identify pleural malignancy was 79% (95% CI 54-94%) in the CT-only group versus 81% (95% CI 54-96%) in the PET-CT group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results do not support the practice of PET-CT to guide pleural biopsies in patients with a previous non-diagnostic biopsy. The diagnostic sensitivity in the CT-only group was higher than anticipated and supports the practice of repeating a CT-guided biopsy following an inconclusive result if clinical suspicion of malignancy persists.

A simple and efficient clinical prediction scoring system to identify malignant pleural effusion

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is of great significance. Current prediction models are not simple enough to be widely used in heavy clinical work.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop a simple and efficient clinical prediction scoring system to distinguish MPE from benign pleural effusion (BPE).

DESIGN

This retrospective study involved patients with MPE or BPE who were admitted in West China Hospital from December 2010 to September 2016.

METHODS

Patients were divided into training, testing, and validation set. Prediction model was developed from training set and modified to a scoring system. The diagnostic efficacy and clinical benefits of the scoring system were estimated in all three sets.

RESULTS

Finally, 598 cases of MPE and 1094 cases of BPE were included. Serum neuron-specific enolase, serum cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), pleural carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and ratio of pleural CEA to serum CEA were selected to establish the prediction models in training set, which were modified to the scoring system with scores of 6, 8, 10, and 9 points, respectively. Patients with scores >12 points have high MPE risk while ⩽12 points have low MPE risk. The scoring system has a high predictive value and good clinical benefits to differentiate MPE from BPE or lung-specific MPE from BPE.

CONCLUSION

This study developed a simple clinical prediction scoring system and was proven to have good clinical benefits, and it may help clinicians to separate MPE from BPE.

A practical approach to the diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions in resource-constrained settings

No pleural intervention in a patient with confirmed malignant pleural effusion (MPE) prolongs life, but even the recommended interventions for diagnosis and palliation can be costly and therefore unavailable in large parts of the world. However, there is good evidence to guide clinicians working in low- and middle-income countries on the most cost-effective and clinically effective strategies for the diagnosis and management of MPE. Transthoracic ultrasound-guided closed pleural biopsy is a safe method of pleural biopsy with a diagnostic yield approaching that of thoracoscopy. With the use of pleural fluid cytology and ultrasound-guided biopsy, ≥90% of cases can be diagnosed. Cases with an associated mass lesion are best suited to an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration with/without core needle biopsy. Those with diffuse pleural thickening and/or nodularity should have an Abrams needle (<1 cm thickening) or core needle (≥1 cm thickening) biopsy of the area of interest. Those with insignificant pleural thickening should have an ultrasound-guided Abrams needle biopsy close to the diaphragm. The goals of management are to alleviate dyspnoea, prevent re-accumulation of the pleural effusion and minimise re-admissions to hospital. As the most cost-effective strategy, we suggest early use of indwelling pleural catheters with daily drainage for 14 days, followed by talc pleurodesis if the lung expands. The insertion of an intercostal drain with talc slurry is an alternative strategy which is noninferior to thoracoscopy with talc poudrage.

Educational aims

To provide clinicians practising in resource-constrained settings with a practical evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions.To explain how to perform an ultrasound-guided closed pleural biopsy.To explain the cost-effective use of indwelling pleural catheters.

Development and validation of a radiomics nomogram for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a radiomics nomogram based on computed tomography (CT) scan features and high-throughput radiomics features for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

METHODS

In this study, 507 eligible patients with PE (207 malignant and 300 benign) were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into training (n = 355) and validation cohorts (n = 152). Radiomics features were extracted from initial unenhanced CT images. CT scan features of PE were also collected. We used the variance threshold algorithm and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to select optimal features to build a radiomics model for predicting the nature of PE. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyzes were used to identify significant independent factors associated with MPE, which were then included in the radiomics nomogram.

RESULTS

A total of four CT features were retained as significant independent factors, including massive PE, obstructive atelectasis or pneumonia, pleural thickening > 10 mm, and pulmonary nodules and/or masses. The radiomics nomogram constructed from 13 radiomics parameters and four CT features showed good predictive efficacy in training cohort [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.926, 95% CI 0.894, 0.951] and validation cohort (AUC = 0.916, 95% CI 0.860, 0.955). The calibration curve and decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram helped differentiate MPE from benign pleural effusion (BPE) in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

This study presents a nomogram model incorporating CT scan features and radiomics features to help physicians differentiate MPE from BPE.

Ultrasonic Elastography-guided Pleural Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion: A Multicenter Prospective Study of Diagnostic Test Performance

Rationale: The diagnostic yield of traditional ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy remains unsatisfactory, particularly when the pleural thickness is ⩽5 mm and/or no pleural nodules are detected. Pleural ultrasound elastography (UE) has a better diagnostic yield than traditional ultrasound for malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, studies on UE-guided pleural biopsies are lacking. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of UE-guided pleural biopsy. Methods: In this multicenter prospective single-arm trial, patients with pleural effusion whose pleural thickness was ⩽5 mm with no pleural nodules were enrolled between July 2019 and August 2021. The diagnostic yield of UE-guided pleural biopsy for pleural effusion and its sensitivity for detecting MPE were evaluated. Results: Ninety-eight patients (mean age, 62.4 ± 13.2 yr; 65 men) were prospectively enrolled. The diagnostic yield of UE-guided pleural biopsy for making any diagnosis was 92.9% (91/98), and its sensitivity for MPE was 88.7% (55/62). In addition, its sensitivity for pleural tuberculosis was 69.6% (16/23). The rate of postoperative chest pain was acceptable, and there was no pneumothorax. Conclusions: UE-guided pleural biopsy is a novel technique for diagnosing MPE with good diagnostic yield and sensitivity. Clinical trial registered with https://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000033572).

CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsies of focal pleural lesions smaller than 10 mm: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy (TCNB) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure and a useful radiological method for diagnosing pleural lesions smaller than 10 mm in the presence of loculated pleural effusion. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided TCNB of small pleural lesions and determine the incidence of complications.

METHODS

This retrospective study included a total of 56 patients (45 men and 11 women; mean [± SD] age, 71.84 ± 10.11 years) with small costal pleural lesions (thickness of < 10 mm) who underwent TCNB performed at the Department of Radiology from January 2015 to July 2021. One of the inclusion criteria for this study was a loculated pleural effusion greater than 20 mm, with a nondiagnostic cytological analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive as well as negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of CT-guided TCNB for the diagnosis of small pleural lesions in this study was 84.6% (33 of 39), specificity 100% (17 of 17), PPV 100% (33 of 33), and NPV 73.9% (17 of 23), while diagnostic accuracy was 89.3% (50 of 56). The overall diagnostic contribution of TCNB in our study is comparable with the results of other recent reports. Loculated pleural effusion was considered a protective factor since no complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy (TCNB) is an accurate diagnostic method for small suspected pleural lesions with a near-zero complication rate in the presence of loculated pleural effusion.

Pleural effusion in critically ill patients and intensive care setting

Pleural effusion usually causes a diagnostic dilemma with a long list of differential diagnoses. Many studies found a high prevalence of pleural effusions in critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients, with a wide range of variable prevalence rates of up to 50%-60% in some studies. This review emphasizes the importance of pleural effusion diagnosis and management in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The original disease that caused pleural effusion can be the exact cause of ICU admission. There is an impairment in the pleural fluid turnover and cycling in critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients. There are also many difficulties in diagnosing pleural effusion in the ICU, including clinical, radiological, and even laboratory difficulties. These difficulties are due to unusual presentation, inability to undergo some diagnostic procedures, and heterogenous results of some of the performed tests. Pleural effusion can affect the patient’s outcome and prognosis due to the hemodynamics and lung mechanics changes in these patients, who usually have frequent comorbidities. Similarly, pleural effusion drainage can modify the ICU-admitted patient’s outcome. Finally, pleural effusion analysis can change the original diagnosis in some cases and redirect the management toward a different way.

Optimal diagnostic strategies for pleural diseases and identifying high-risk patients

INTRODUCTION

Pleural diseases encompass a broad range of conditions with diverse and heterogenous etiologies. Diagnostics in pleural diseases thus represents a challenging field with a wide array of available testing to distinguish between the numerous causes of pleural disease. Nonetheless, deploying best practice diagnostics in this area is essential in reducing both duration o the investigation pathway and symptom burden.

AREAS COVERED

This article critically appraises the optimal diagnostic strategies and pathway in patients with pleural disease, reviewing the latest evidence and key practice points in achieving a treatable diagnosis in patients with pleural disease. We also cover future and novel directions that are likely to influence pleural diagnostics in the near future. PubMed was searched for articles related to pleural diagnostics (search terms below), with the date ranges including June 2012 to June 2022.

EXPERT OPINION

No single test will ever be sufficient to provide a diagnosis in pleural conditions. The key to reducing procedure burden and duration to diagnosis lies in personalizing the investigation pathway to patients and deploying tests with the highest diagnostic yield early (such as pleural biopsy in infection and malignancy). Novel biomarkers may also allow earlier diagnostic precision in the near future.

A comparative study of diagnostic accuracy in 3026 pleural biopsies and matched pleural effusion cytology with clinical correlation

BACKGROUND

Pleural effusion can be caused by a wide range of benign and malignant conditions. Pleural biopsy and effusion cytology represent two key methods of pathological diagnosis. To compare the performance these two methods, a large cohort of matched pleural biopsy and effusion cytology with clinical follow-up was reviewed.

METHODS

Pleural biopsies and effusion cytology specimens over a period of 18 years were retrieved. Cytology specimens collected within 7 days of pleural biopsy were matched. Reports were reviewed, and the cause for pleural effusion was determined by hospital disease coding and clinical data.

RESULTS

Totally, 3026 cases were included. The leading cause of benign effusion was tuberculosis (n = 650). Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) was more common in older females (p < 0.001) and mostly due to lung cancer (n = 959), breast cancer (n = 64), and mesothelioma (n = 48). The inadequate/insufficient (B1/C1) rate of biopsy was higher than cytology (15.6% vs. 0.3%) but the rates for other diagnostic categories were similar. Biopsy and cytology showed a correlation coefficient of 0.315, improving to 0.449 when inadequate/insufficient (B1/C1) cases were excluded. The ROM for benign cytology (C2) was lower than biopsy (B2) (p < 0.001). Compared with biopsy, the diagnostic accuracy was higher in cytology overall and for metastatic carcinomas (p < 0.001) but lower for hematolymphoid malignancies (p = 0.014) and mesotheliomas (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that effusion cytology may be better for confirming benignity and diagnosing carcinomatous MPE. In these cases, pleural biopsy may be withheld to reduce procedural risks. However, for suspected hematolymphoid malignancies and mesothelioma, biopsy should be considered.

Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery for the management of malignant pleural effusion

This article summarizes the clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) sponsored by the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT). Ten clinical controversies were elaborated under the methodology of PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions and the quality of the evidence and grading of the strength of the recommendations was based on the GRADE system. Immunocytochemical and molecular analyses of pleural fluid may avoid further invasive diagnostic procedures. Currently, the definitive control of MPE can be achieved either by pleurodesis (talc poudrage or slurry) or the insertion of a indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). It is likely that the combination of both techniques (i.e., thoracoscopy with talc poudrage and insertion of a IPC, or instillation of talc slurry through a IPC) will have a predominant role in the future therapeutic management.

Diagnostic ability and its influenced factors of ultrasound-guided percutaneous pleural needle biopsy diagnosis for malignant pleural mesothelioma

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive malignant tumor. Ultrasound guidance has the advantages of real-time, convenience and nonradiative. We sought to identify diagnostic value and its influenced factors of ultrasound-guided percutaneous pleural needle biopsy (US-PPNB) for MPM.

Methods

Patients who underwent US-PPNB between March 2014 and March 2020 and were finally diagnosed with MPM were retrospectively analyzed. We retrospectively analyzed the US-PPNBs pathological results of all patients clinically confirmed as MPM, and divided US-PPNBs into correctly and incorrectly diagnosed groups. Patient, thoracic, and biopsy variables that affected diagnostic accuracy were assessed. All variables significant on univariate analyses were subjected to multivariate logistic regression to identify significant predictors of diagnostic accuracy. We derived cutoffs for all significant continuous variables and used the Mantel–Haenszel test to determine whether the diagnostic accuracy of US-PPNB for MPM increased with pleural thickness.

Results

In total, 49 patients with clinically confirmed MPM underwent US-PPNB; 37 diagnoses were correct and 12 were incorrect (accuracy = 75.5%). The pleura was significantly thicker in the correctly diagnosed group (p < 0.001). The pleural thickness cutoff was 4.15 mm and diagnostic accuracy increased with pleural thickness grade (p for trend <0.05). The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher when 16-G rather than 18-G biopsy needles were used (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that pleural thickness (odds ratio: 17.2, 95% confidence interval: 2.8–104.1, p = 0.002) and needle size (odds ratio: 6.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–44.5, p = 0.044) independently predicted diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

US-PPNB afforded high MPM diagnostic accuracy, and pleural thickness and needle size significantly impacted accuracy.

Mesothelioma in a developing country: a retrospective analysis of the diagnostic process

Objective:

To evaluate the process of diagnosing patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study involving patients referred to a tertiary-care cancer center in Brazil between 2009 and 2020. The diagnostic process was divided into four steps: onset of symptoms, referral to a specialist visit, histopathological diagnosis, and beginning of treatment. The intervals between each phase and the factors for delays were evaluated. Data including clinical status, radiological examinations, staging, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were collected.

Results:

During the study period, 66 patients (mean age = 64 years) were diagnosed with MPM and underwent treatment. Only 27 (41%) of the patients had knowledge of prior exposure to asbestos. The median number of months (IQR) between the onset of symptoms and the first specialist visit, between the specialist visit and histopathological characterization, and between definite diagnosis and beginning of treatment was, respectively, 6.5 (2.0-11.4), 1.5 (0.6-2.1), and 1.7 (1.2-3.4). The knowledge of prior asbestos exposure was associated with a shorter time to referral to a specialist (median: 214 vs. 120 days; p = 0.04). A substantial number of nondiagnostic procedures and false-negative biopsy results (the majority of which involved the use of Cope needle biopsy) were found to be decisive factors for the length of waiting time. The mean overall survival was 11.9 months.

Conclusions:

The unfamiliarity of health professionals with MPM and the patient’s lack of knowledge of prior asbestos exposure were the major factors to cause a long time interval between the onset of symptoms and beginning of treatment. An overall survival shorter than 1 year is likely to have been due to the aforementioned delays.

Malignant pleural disease: a pragmatic guide to diagnosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis of malignant pleural disease is important in the care of patients with cancer. However, a one-size-fits-all approach to diagnosis may lead to delays in care as the sensitivity of each biopsy modality varies and can be dependent on the tumor type. We review current literature on pleural biopsy techniques and propose a diagnostic algorithm for suspected malignant pleural disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature has shown that the sensitivity of pleural fluid cytology varies based on tumor type resulting in a limited value of repeated thoracenteses in many cases. Furthermore, the ability to test for molecular biomarkers on pleural fluid samples has contributed to the recommendations to send large volumes of pleural fluid for analysis. Studies have also supported the consideration of medical thoracoscopy earlier in the diagnostic work-up of malignant pleural disease.

SUMMARY

The decision to repeat a diagnostic thoracentesis when suspecting malignant pleural effusions should take into account the primary tumor type. Open pleural biopsy with medical thoracoscopy has been shown to be a relatively safe diagnostic modality with high sensitivity and should be considered in patients with a nondiagnostic thoracentesis.

Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion: Where Are We Now?

Pleural malignancies are among the most common causes of pleural disease and form the basis of our daily pleural practice. There has been significant research and increase in both diagnostic and therapeutic management of malignant pleural diseases in the last decade. Good-quality data have led to a paradigm shift in the management options of pleural malignancies, and indwelling pleural catheter is now recommended and widely used as first-line intervention. Several trials compared different treatment modalities for pleural malignancies and continue to emphasize the need to reduce hospital length of stay and unnecessary pleural intervention, and the importance of patient choice in clinical decision making. This practical review aims to summarize the current knowledge for the management of pleural malignancies, and the understanding of the steps that we still have to climb to optimize management and reduce morbidity.

Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Decade in Review

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of thoracic and extrathoracic malignancies and is associated with high mortality. Treatment is mainly palliative, with symptomatic management achieved via effusion drainage and pleurodesis. Pleurodesis may be hastened by administering a sclerosing agent through a thoracostomy tube, thoracoscopy, or an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). Over the last decade, several randomized controlled studies shaped the current management of MPE in favor of an outpatient-based approach with a notable increase in IPC usage. Patient preferences remain essential in choosing optimal therapy, especially when the lung is expandable. In this article, we reviewed the last 10 to 15 years of MPE literature with a particular focus on the diagnosis and evolving management.

Diagnostic value and safety of medical thoracoscopy for pleural effusion of different causes

BACKGROUND

Pleural effusions occur for various reasons, and their diagnosis remains challenging despite the availability of different diagnostic modalities. Medical thoracoscopy (MT) can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, especially in patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion.

AIM

To assess the diagnostic efficacy and safety of MT in patients with pleural effusion of different causes.

METHODS

Between January 1, 2012 and April 30, 2021, patients with pleural effusion underwent MT in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (Shaanxi, China). According to the discharge diagnosis, patients were divided into malignant pleural effusion (MPE), tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE), and inflammatory pleural effusion (IPE) groups. General information, and tuberculosis- and effusion-related indices of the three groups were analyzed. The diagnostic yield, diagnostic accuracy, performance under thoracoscopy, and complications of patients were compared among the three groups. Then, the significant predictive factors for diagnosis between the MPE and TBPE groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 106 patients enrolled in this 10-year study, 67 were male and 39 female, with mean age of 57.1 ± 14.184 years. Among the 74 thoracoscopy-confirmed patients, 41 (38.7%) had MPE, 21 had (19.8%) TBPE, and 32 (30.2%) were undiagnosed. Overall diagnostic yield of MT was 69.8% (MPE: 75.9%, TBPE: 48.8%, and IPE: 75.0%, with diagnostic accuracies of 100%, 87.5%, and 75.0%, respectively). Under thoracoscopy, single or multiple pleural nodules were observed in 81.1% and pleural adhesions in 34.0% with pleural effusions. The most common complication was chest pain (41.5%), followed by chest tightness (11.3%) and fever (10.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed effusion appearance [odds ratio (OR): 0.001, 95%CI: 0.000-0.204; P = 0.010] and carcinoembryonic antigen (OR: 0.243, 95%CI: 0.081-0.728; P = 0.011) as significant for differentiating MPE and TBPE, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.977 (95%CI: 0.953-1.000; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MT is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive procedure with high diagnostic yield for pleural effusion of different causes.

Comparison of Diagnostic Yield and Complications in Ultrasound-Guided Closed Pleural Biopsy Versus Thoracoscopic Pleural Biopsy in Undiagnosed Exudative Pleural Effusion

Introduction

Malignancy, tuberculosis, and non-tubercular pleural infections account for most exudative pleural effusion. Pleural fluid cytology, biochemical tests and even pleural fluid cell block studies may fail to yield a diagnosis in certain cases. Medical thoracoscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of unexplained pleural effusions. However, access to medical thoracoscopy may be limited, particularly in developing countries. Also, certain patients may not be fit to undergo the procedure because of medical conditions. An ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy is an option in such conditions. The present study is intended to compare the diagnostic yield and complications of both methods of pleural biopsy in undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion under a randomized controlled trial.

Method

After fulfilling all the inclusion criteria, participants were randomized to either ultrasound-guided closed pleural biopsy or thoracoscopic-guided pleural biopsy groups. The primary outcome was to compare the diagnostic yield of ultrasound-guided Tru-Cut® (Newtech Medical Devices, Faridabad, India) closed pleural biopsy versus thoracoscopic pleural biopsy, and the secondary outcomes were to compare the complications rate, duration of the procedure, and hospital stay in the patients undergoing ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy versus thoracoscopic pleural biopsy, and predictors of a positive biopsy result in both groups.

Result

A total of 118 patients with pleural effusion were screened; 39 of them who were eligible, randomized into the ultrasound group (20 patients) and the thoracoscopic group (19 patients). The median age of participants was 53.5 (50-58) years and 55 (45-64) years in the ultrasound and thoracoscopic groups, respectively. Pleural fluid cell count, protein, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were similar in both groups, although pleural fluid glucose was low in the ultrasound group. Diagnostic yield was 90% (18/20) and 94.7% (18/19) in the ultrasound and thoracoscopic groups, respectively, which was statistically non-significant (p=0.963). The median duration of hospital stay was 9.5 (5.3-27) days and 15 (12-22) days in ultrasound and thoracoscopic groups respectively. The thoracoscopic group had a more prolonged stay compared to the ultrasound group, but it was statistically non-significant (p=0.09). The duration of the procedure was significantly longer in the thoracoscopic group 90 (85-105) minutes, in comparison to ultrasound 47.5 (41.3-55) minutes (p=0.001). No major complications were seen in both groups. Subcutaneous emphysema was the most common complication in the thoracoscopic group (10%), followed by hemorrhage (5.3%), and respiratory failure (5.3%). Hypotension was the only complication in the ultrasound group (5%). The rate of complications was significantly higher in the thoracoscopic group (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided closed pleural biopsy is as good as thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion. It was associated with a shorter procedure duration, a shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications as compared to thoracoscopic biopsy. Both the procedures were safe in experienced hands and a hospital setup, but the thoracoscopic pleural biopsy was associated with complications.

Echogenic swirling pattern, carcinoembryonic antigen, and lactate dehydrogenase in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion

The echogenic swirling pattern has a role in predicting malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, its predictive ability is suboptimal, and its clinical utility remains to be defined. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic potential of the echogenic swirling pattern combined with pleural carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and routine laboratory tests of pleural effusion in MPE. The 80 consecutive patients with underlying malignancy and pleural effusions were recruited. All patients underwent one diagnostic thoracentesis with a cytologic examination of pleural fluid. Our study showed that the sensitivity of echogenic swirling patterns in MPE diagnosis was 67.7%, specificity was 72.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 89.4%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 39.4%. Both CEA and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) had acceptable sensitivity (71.0% and 60.7%) and specificity (72.2% and 77.8%). Combining the echogenic swirling pattern, pleural CEA, and pleural LDH, the highest sensitivity (95.2%) with a good PPV (86.8) was reached. In this clinical study, we found that combining the echogenic swirling pattern, pleural CEA, and pleural LDH had a higher sensitivity and a high positive predictive value for the diagnosis of MPE. This combination is a potentially suitable method for MPE screening in cancer patients with pleural effusions.

Image-guided interventional radiological delivery of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for pleural malignancies in a phase I/II clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

We describe techniques and results of image-guided delivery of mesothelin-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in patients with pleural malignancies in a phase I/II trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02414269).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients without a pleural catheter or who lack effusion for insertion of a catheter (31 of 41) were administered intrapleural CAR T cells by interventional radiologists under image guidance by computed tomography or ultrasound. CAR T cells were administered through a needle in an accessible pleural loculation (intracavitary) or following an induced loculated artificial pneumothorax. In patients where intracavitary infusion was not feasible, CAR T cells were injected via percutaneous approach either surrounding and/or in the pleural nodule/thickening (intratumoral). Pre- and post-procedural clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings were assessed.

RESULTS

CAR T cells were administered intrapleurally in 31 patients (33 procedures, 2 patients were administered a second dose) with successful delivery of planned dose (10-186 mL); 14/33 (42%) intracavitary and 19/33 (58%) intratumoral. All procedures were completed within 2 h of T-cell thawing. There were no procedure-related adverse events greater than grade 1 (1 in 3 patients had prior ipsilateral pleural fusion procedures). The most common imaging finding was ground glass opacities with interlobular septal thickening and/or consolidation, observed in 12/33 (36%) procedures. There was no difference in the incidence of fever, CRP, IL-6, and peak vector copy number in the peripheral blood between infusion methods.

CONCLUSION

Image-guided intrapleural delivery of CAR T cells using intracavitary or intratumoral routes is feasible, repeatable and safe across anatomically variable pleural cancers.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Evaluation of Pleural Effusion: A Pictorial Essay

B-mode ultrasound (B-US) is the standard imaging modality to evaluate pleural effusion. The value of B-US for assessing the malignancy of a pleural effusion (PE) is limited. For this purpose, computed tomography (CT) and thoracoscopy are the methods of choice to evaluate an effusion. The aim of this Pictorial Essay is to demonstrate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a method in addition to B-US and CT for the evaluation of PE taking into account the clinical background. The characteristic patterns of pleural pathologies, effusion morphology, and associated lung parenchymal consolidations are presented.

Pleural mesothelioma classification-update and challenges

Mesothelial tumors are classified into benign or preinvasive tumors, and mesotheliomas. The benign or preinvasive group includes adenomatoid tumors, well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumors, and mesothelioma in situ. Malignant tumors are mesotheliomas and can be localized or diffuse. Histological classification of invasive mesotheliomas into three major subtypes-epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic is prognostically important. It also plays a significant role in the treatment decisions of patients diagnosed with this deadly disease. Grading and subtyping of epithelioid mesotheliomas have been one of the major changes in the recent WHO classification of pleural tumors. Mesothelioma in situ has emerged as a precisely defined clinico-pathologic entity that for diagnosis requires demonstration of loss of BAP1 or MTAP by immunohistochemistry, or CDKN2A homozygous deletion by FISH. The use of these two biomarkers improves the diagnostic sensitivity of effusion specimens  and limited tissue samples and is valuable in establishing the diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma. In this review, recent changes in the histologic classification of pleural mesothelioma, importance of ancillary diagnostic studies, and molecular characteristics of mesotheliomas are discussed.

Development and Validation of a Scoring System for Early Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Effusion Based on a Nomogram

Background

The diagnostic value of clinical and laboratory features to differentiate between malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and benign pleural effusion (BPE) has not yet been established.

Objectives

The present study aimed to develop and validate the diagnostic accuracy of a scoring system based on a nomogram to distinguish MPE from BPE.

Methods

A total of 1,239 eligible patients with PE were recruited in this study and randomly divided into a training set and an internal validation set at a ratio of 7:3. Logistic regression analysis was performed in the training set, and a nomogram was developed using selected predictors. The diagnostic accuracy of an innovative scoring system based on the nomogram was established and validated in the training, internal validation, and external validation sets (n = 217). The discriminatory power and the calibration and clinical values of the prediction model were evaluated.

Results

Seven variables [effusion carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), effusion adenosine deaminase (ADA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), PE/serum CEA ratio (CEA ratio), effusion carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), effusion cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1), and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)/effusion ADA ratio (cancer ratio, CR)] were validated and used to develop a nomogram. The prediction model showed both good discrimination and calibration capabilities for all sets. A scoring system was established based on the nomogram scores to distinguish MPE from BPE. The scoring system showed favorable diagnostic performance in the training set [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.955, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.942-0.968], the internal validation set (AUC = 0.952, 95% CI = 0.932-0.973), and the external validation set (AUC = 0.973, 95% CI = 0.956-0.990). In addition, the scoring system achieved satisfactory discriminative abilities at separating lung cancer-associated MPE from tuberculous pleurisy effusion (TPE) in the combined training and validation sets.

Conclusions

The present study developed and validated a scoring system based on seven parameters. The scoring system exhibited a reliable diagnostic performance in distinguishing MPE from BPE and might guide clinical decision-making.

Circulating tumor DNA predicts the outcome of chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has potential as a specific, noninvasive, and cost‐effective new biomarker for patients with lung cancer. This study aimed to determine whether plasma ctDNA can be used to predict treatment outcomes in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

Pre‐ and in‐treatment blood samples were collected from 14 patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy. Based on next‐generation sequencing technology, we constructed a unique molecular identifier (UMI) library and performed targeted deep sequencing of 72 genes (15 000×). We used dVAF to evaluate the change level and trend of variant allele frequency (VAF).

Results

We identified MUC16, KMT2D, AMER1, and NTRK1 as the most‐frequently mutated genes in ctDNA associated with lung cancer. Furthermore, we showed that the change trend of dVAF in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy was closely related to the changes in both tumor volume and tumor biomarkers, including CEA, CA125, NSE, and CK (Cytokeratin). Moreover, the ctDNA analysis revealed disease progression of SCLC patients earlier than did computed tomography.

Conclusions

The dynamic detection of plasma ctDNA VAF has the potential value as a biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with SCLC and advanced NSCLC, and may predict the progression of lung cancer patients earlier than radiography.

Setting up a Pleural Disease Service

Pleural disease incidence is continuing to rise internationally and management is becoming increasingly complex. There are now many more options for patients, with access to thoracic ultrasound, image-guided biopsies, indwelling pleural catheters, and local-anesthetic pleuroscopy (thoracoscopy). Safety reports have also highlighted the need for specialist operator knowledge and skill. Consequently, the development of a specialized pleural service can manage patients entirely as an outpatient, limit the number of procedures, and improve patient safety, it also fosters opportunities to enhance specialist procedural skills, engage in clinical research, and reduce the costs of care.

GOECP/SEOR clinical guidelines on radiotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor with poor prognosis and rising incidence. Palliative care is common in MPM as radical treatment with curative intent is often not possible due to metastasis or extensive locoregional involvement. Numerous therapeutic advances have been made in recent years, including the use of less aggressive surgical techniques associated with lower morbidity and mortality (e.g., pleurectomy/decortication), technological advancements in the field of radiotherapy (intensity-modulated radiotherapy, image-guided radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, proton therapy), and developments in systemic therapies (chemotherapy and immunotherapy). These improvements have had as yet only a modest effect on local control and survival. Advances in the management of MPM and standardization of care are hampered by the evidence to date, limited by high heterogeneity among studies and small sample sizes. In this clinical guideline prepared by the oncological group for the study of lung cancer of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology, we review clinical, histologic, and therapeutic aspects of MPM, with a particular focus on all aspects relating to radiotherapy, including the current evidence base, associations with chemotherapy and surgery, treatment volumes and planning, technological advances, and reradiation.

Diagnostic Accuracy of B-Mode- and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Differentiating Malignant from Benign Pleural Effusions

Purpose: To evaluate the value of CEUS in differentiating malignant from benign pleural effusions (PEs). Methods: From 2008 to 2017, 83 patients with PEs of unknown cause were examined using B-mode thoracic ultrasound (B-TUS), CEUS, and cytological examination. The extent of enhancement of the pleural thickening, the presence of enhancement of septa or a solid mass within the PE, and the homogeneity of the enhancement in the associated lung consolidation, were examined. Subsequently, the diagnostic value of cytology, B-TUS, and CEUS in differentiating malignant from benign PEs was determined. Results: With CEUS, markedly enhanced pleural thickening and inhomogeneous enhanced lung consolidation were significantly more frequently associated with malignancy (p < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, the use of CEUS increased the sensitivity from 69.2 to 92.3 in patients with initial negative cytology but clinical suspicion of malignant PE; it also increased the specificity from 63.0 to 90.0, the positive predictive value from 69.2 to 92.3, the negative predictive value from 63.0 to 90.0, and the diagnostic accuracy from 66.7 to 87.5, in the evaluation of PE malignancy. Conclusion: The use of clinically based B-TUS and CEUS as a complementary method to cytological evaluation may be beneficial for evaluating a PE of unknown cause. CEUS patterns of enhanced pleural thickening and inhomogeneous enhanced lung consolidation may suggest a malignant PE.

The diagnostic value of CEA for lung cancer-related malignant pleural effusion in China: a meta-analysis

Objective: To accurately evaluate the diagnostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for malignant pleural effusion associated with lung cancer in the Chinese population.Methods: Three English databases, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, and two Chinese databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Data, up to 5 November 2020, were searched. The literature on the diagnosis of lung cancer-related malignant pleural effusion by CEA in the Chinese population were collected. The data was analyzed by Stata15.0 software.Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74-0.84), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.95), 10.46 (95% CI: 7.29-15.00), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.17-0.28), 47.26 (95% CI: 28.84-77.44), respectively . The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91-0.95). No significant publication bias was found (P > 0.05)Conclusion: CEA has anexcellent diagnostic value for patients with lung cancer-related malignant pleural effusion in the Chinese population.

ERS/ESTS/EACTS/ESTRO guidelines for the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma

The European Respiratory Society (ERS)/European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)/European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) task force brought together experts to update previous 2009 ERS/ESTS guidelines on management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare cancer with globally poor outcome, after a systematic review of the 2009-2018 literature. The evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The evidence syntheses were discussed and recommendations formulated by this multidisciplinary group of experts. Diagnosis: pleural biopsies remain the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis, usually obtained by thoracoscopy but occasionally via image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy in cases of pleural symphysis or poor performance status. Pathology: standard staining procedures are insufficient in ∼10% of cases, justifying the use of specific markers, including BAP-1 and CDKN2A (p16) for the separation of atypical mesothelial proliferation from MPM. Staging: in the absence of a uniform, robust and validated staging system, we advise using the most recent 2016 8th TNM (tumour, node, metastasis) classification, with an algorithm for pretherapeutic assessment. Monitoring: patient's performance status, histological subtype and tumour volume are the main prognostic factors of clinical importance in routine MPM management. Other potential parameters should be recorded at baseline and reported in clinical trials. Treatment: (chemo)therapy has limited efficacy in MPM patients and only selected patients are candidates for radical surgery. New promising targeted therapies, immunotherapies and strategies have been reviewed. Because of limited data on the best combination treatment, we emphasize that patients who are considered candidates for a multimodal approach, including radical surgery, should be treated as part of clinical trials in MPM-dedicated centres.

Advances in pleural infection and malignancy

Pleural infection and malignancy are among the most common causes of pleural disease and form the mainstay of pleural practice. There has been significant research and increase in scientific understanding in these areas in the past decade. With regard to pleural infection, the rising incidence remains worrying. An increased awareness allowing earlier diagnosis, earlier escalation of therapy and the use of validated risk stratification measures may improve outcomes. In pleural malignancy, research has enabled clinicians to streamline patient pathways with focus on reducing time to diagnosis, definitive management of malignant pleural effusion and achieving these with the minimum number of pleural interventions. Trials comparing treatment modalities of malignant pleural effusion continue to highlight the importance of patient choice in clinical decision-making. This article aims to summarise some of the most recent literature informing current practice in these two areas.

Pleural mesothelioma classification update

The 2015 WHO classification of pleural mesotheliomas includes three major histologic subtypes-epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Recent genomic data has supported the need for a more granular and clinically valid classification beyond the three current subtypes. Because of tumor rarity and overlapping histologic features with other tumor types, diagnostic immunohistochemical work up is essential component in establishing the final diagnosis of mesothelioma. The use of BAP1 and CDKN2A/MTAP improves the diagnostic sensitivity of effusion specimens and are valuable in establishing the diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma. The major change in the forthcoming WHO classification is the inclusion of mesothelioma in situ as a diagnostic category. In this review, we discuss recently proposed changes in the histologic classification of pleural mesothelioma, differential diagnosis, and importance of ancillary diagnostic studies.

Update on biology and management of mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive, incurable cancer that is usually caused by asbestos exposure several decades before symptoms arise. Despite widespread prohibition of asbestos production and supply, its incidence continues to increase. It is heterogeneous in its presentation and behaviour, and diagnosis can be notoriously difficult. Identification of actionable gene mutations has proven challenging and current treatment options are largely ineffective, with a median survival of 10-12 months.However, the past few years have witnessed major advances in our understanding of the biology and pathogenesis of mesothelioma. This has also revealed the limitations of existing diagnostic algorithms and identified new treatment targets.Recent clinical trials have re-examined the role of surgery, provided new options for the management of associated pleural effusions and heralded the addition of targeted therapies. The increasing complexity of mesothelioma management, along with a desperate need for further research, means that a multidisciplinary team framework is essential for the delivery of contemporary mesothelioma care.This review provides a synthesised overview of the current state of knowledge and an update on the latest research in the field.

Diagnostic Yield and Safety of Image-Guided Pleural Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic yield (DY) and safety of computed tomography (CT)- and thoracic ultrasound (TUS)-guided biopsies in the diagnosis of pleural lesions have been investigated in a number of studies, but no synthesis of data from the literature has ever been performed.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to provide the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the DY and safety of CT- versus TUS-guided biopsy in the diagnosis of pleural lesions.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for all studies reporting outcomes of interest published up to April 2018. Two authors reviewed all titles/abstracts and retrieved selected full text to identify studies according to predefined selection criteria. Summary estimates were derived using the random-effects model. Cumulative meta-analysis assessed the influence of increasing adoption of the procedures over time.

RESULTS

Thirty original studies were included in the present review; the number of studies on TUS-guided biopsy was almost three-fold higher than those on CT-guided biopsy. The pooled DYs of the 2 procedures were overall excellent and differed <10%, being 84% for TUS-guided biopsy and 93% for CT-guided biopsy. Safety profiles were reassuring for both the techniques, being 7 and 3% for CT- and TUS-guided biopsy, respectively. DY of ultrasound technique significantly improved over time, while no time effect was observed for CT-guided biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Data show that CT- and TUS-guided biopsies in the diagnosis of pleural lesions are both excellent procedures, without meaningful differences in DYs and safety. Considering that TUS is non-ionizing and easily performed at the bedside, it should be the preferred approach in presence of adequate skills.

Auxiliary diagnostic value of tumor biomarkers in pleural fluid for lung cancer-associated malignant pleural effusion

Background

Pleural effusion (PE) can be divided into benign pleural effusion (BPE) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE). There is no consensus on the identification of lung cancer-associated MPE using the optimal cut-off levels from five common tumor biomarkers (CEA, CYFRA 21-1, CA125, SCC-Ag, and NSE). Therefore, we aimed to find indicators for the auxiliary diagnosis of lung cancer-associated MPE by analyzing and then validating the optimal threshold levels of these biomarkers in pleural fluid (PF) and serum, as well as the PF/serum ratio.

Patients and method

The study has two sets of patients, i.e. the training set and the test set. In the training set, 348 patients with PE, between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, were divided into BPE and MPE based on the cytological diagnosis. Subsequently, the optimal cut-off levels of tumor biomarkers were analyzed. In the test set, the diagnostic compliance rate was verified with 271 patients with PE from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019 to evaluate the auxiliary diagnostic value of the aforementioned indicators.

Result

In the training set, PF CEA at the cut-off value of 5.23 ng/ml was the most effective indicator for MPE compared with other tumor biomarkers (all p < 0.001). In the test set, PF CEA at the cut-off value of 5.23 ng/ml showed the highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, positive and negative predictive value among other tumor biomarkers, which were 99.0%, 69.1%, 91.6%, 90.7%, and 95.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

PF CEA at the cut-off level of 5.23 ng/ml was the most effective indicator for identifying lung cancer-associated MPE among the five common tumor biomarkers.

Contemporary Approach to the Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Effusion

Advanced malignancy is a prevalent cause of exudative pleural effusion. The management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has been the subject of several recent randomized controlled trials and excellent reviews. Less attention has been focused on another controversial and challenging aspect of MPE: establishing the diagnosis. Before selecting the optimal management strategy, the presence of an MPE must first be correctly identified with an emphasis on minimizing invasiveness and discomfort in a patient with late-stage cancer. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge about MPE diagnostics and to propose an algorithm for the diagnosis of MPE in established or suspected malignancy.

Malignant Pleural Effusion: Diagnosis and Management

Symptomatic malignant pleural effusion is a common clinical problem. This condition is associated with very high mortality, with life expectancy ranging from 3 to 12 months. Studies are contributing evidence on an increasing number of therapeutic options (therapeutic thoracentesis, thoracoscopic pleurodesis or thoracic drainage, indwelling pleural catheter, surgery, or a combination of these therapies). Despite the availability of therapies, the management of malignant pleural effusion is challenging and is mainly focused on the relief of symptoms. The therapy to be administered needs to be designed on a case-by-case basis considering patient's preferences, life expectancy, tumour type, presence of a trapped lung, resources available, and experience of the treating team. At present, the management of malignant pleural effusion has evolved towards less invasive approaches based on ambulatory care. This approach spares the patient the discomfort caused by more invasive interventions and reduces the economic burden of the disease. A review was performed of the diagnosis and the different approaches to the management of malignant pleural effusion, with special emphasis on their indications, usefulness, cost-effectiveness, and complications. Further research is needed to shed light on the current matters of controversy and help establish a standardized, more effective management of this clinical problem.

Correlation between CT findings and thoracoscopic diagnosis in diffuse pleural disease

Objective:

Computed Tomography (CT) is considered part of the routine diagnostic workup for pleural malignancy. The definitive diagnosis of pleural malignancy depends upon histological confirmation by pleural biopsy. The aim of this study is to assess the sensitivity and specificity of CT, in view of the latest imaging technologies, in detecting pleural malignancy compared to definitive histology achieved via thoracoscopy (VATS).

Materials and methods:

We included in this retrospective study 90 patients (36 F, 54 M) with suspected pleural malignancy evaluated in our Institution with CT scan who received a definitive diagnosis after VATS biopsy. Unaware of histopathologic diagnoses CT scans were evaluated by a junior and two experts thoracic radiologist. Conclusions were reached by consensus.

Results:

We evaluated all CT signs suggestive for malignant pleural diseases: pleural thickening > 10 mm (Se 0,41 , Sp 0,79); nodular thickening (Se 0,86, Sp 0,75); circumferential thickening (Se 0,79, Sp 0,69); irregular pleural thickening (Se 0,77, Sp 0,91); mediastinal involvement (Se 0,88, Sp 0,64); costal involvement (Se 0,89, Sp 0,60); diaphragmatic involvement (Se 0,88, Sp 0,53). Furthermore, the diagnostic performance of additional CT features was evaluated: concomitant costal, mediastinal and diaphragmatic pleura lesions (Se 0,84, Sp 0,69); nodular/irregular thickening with mediastinal pleural involvement (Se 0,83, Sp 0,90); nodular/irregular thickening with diaphragmatic pleural involvement (Se 0,81, Sp 0,90).

Conclusions:

CT confirms its central role in the pleura malignancy. The high sensibility, respect to previous studies, especially in the presence of nodular pleural thickening, may lead to reconsider at least partly the diagnostic pathway of diffuse pleural disease, avoiding the use of VATS in patients not eligible for surgery, in favor of US or CT guided core biopsy. (www.actabiomedica.com)