[Differential diagnosis of exudative pleurisy]

The authors propose signs of high informative value (eosinophilia of the pleural fluid, high amylase concentrations in the pleural exudate) to be used as help in differential diagnosis of pleurisy. Eosinophilic pleurisies are caused by injuries and helminthic invasions, whereas elevated levels of amylase in the pleural fluid are indicative of chronic pancreatitis.