title: High amylase activity in pleural fluid and primary bronchogenic adenocarcinoma.
abstract: We report a case of primary bronchogenic adenocarcinoma, complicated by pleural effusion, in which very high pleural amylase activity was found, whilst serum amylase was normal. Isoamylase determination showed a salivary-type amylase. Concerning the origin of this enzyme, ultrastructural study of the malignant cells obtained from the pleural fluid suggested a local amylase synthesis. The pathophysiological significance of electron-dense granules found in these cells is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Internal Medicine, St Luc University Hospital, Louvain Medical School, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Devuyst
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Scheiff
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Francart
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000681:Amylases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008875:Middle Aged; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000681:Amylases