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Transudative malignant pleural effusions: prevalence and mechanisms
1Division of Cardiology, University of Connecticut, Hartford Hospital, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|January 23, 1998
Summary
Transudative malignant pleural effusions are rare, occurring in 5% of cases. Most transudative malignant effusions were linked to other conditions causing fluid buildup.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions are typically exudative.
- Rarely, malignant pleural effusions can present as transudative.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of transudative malignant pleural effusions.
- Describe the clinical and radiographic features of transudative malignant pleural effusions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records.
- Analysis of pleural fluid cytology and biochemistry.
- Inclusion of 171 patients with complete data.
Main Results:
- Eight cases (5%) of transudative malignant pleural effusion were identified.
- Seven patients had co-existing conditions predisposing to transudative effusion (e.g., renal failure, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, SVC obstruction).
- One patient had no identifiable cause for transudation other than malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Transudative malignant pleural effusions are uncommon.
- Concomitant conditions often contribute to the transudative nature of malignant pleural effusions.