Cytologic diagnosis and chromosome analysis: sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and predictive value in malignant and benign pleural effusions.
It is often difficult to determine the origin a pleural effusion even if it is very important for prognosis of a patient. We have studied No. 200 patients, affected with nontraumatic effusions, using cytogenetic technics and cytologic examination. Cytologic diagnosis of pleural effusions allows to detect correctly its malignant nature in a percentage of cases ranging, according to various Authors, between 45 and 80%. The main parameters we have considered in our study, in order to value chromosomal analysis as a useful test for malignity in pleural effusions, can be, at least, placed upon those obtained with cytologic diagnosis. Therefore, we think we can consider chromosomal analysis in neoplastic effusions as a useful completion in terms of diagnostic advantage of cytologic diagnosis.
Giazza
G
G
Cytogenetics Department, City Hospital, Acqui Terme, Italy.
Cosimi
M F
MF
Lanero
M
M
Rossi
G P
GP
Casagranda
I
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests