[Diagnostic value of tumor markers in pleural effusions]

In order to discriminate between benign and malignant effusions, the value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (GNCH Sub-beta) has been estimated in pleural exudates. A sample of 65 patients, 33 with a malignant (histologically and/or cytologically established) and 32 with a benign effusion was analysed. Only mean CEA in malignant effusions was significantly higher than in benign effusions (p less than 0.01). In the detection of malignant effusion CEA showed a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 97%; AFP a sensitivity of 9% and a specificity of 97% and GNCH Sub beta a sensitivity of 9% and a specificity of 90%.