High amylase content of neoplastic pleural and pericardial effusion probably secondary to amylase producing tumor cells: report of 2 cases.
We report two cases of malignant pleural and pericardial effusion respectively secondary to bronchogenic carcinomas. In both effusions, a significant elevation of the Salivary-type-amylase fraction was found, while the corresponding values were normal in serum and urine. Electronmicroscopy of the malignant tumor cells from the pleural effusion showed typical electron-dense granules, suggesting zymogen granules. It is concluded that the high amylase content of the effusions was due to secretion of S-type-isoamylase by the tumor cells.
D000368:Aged; D000681:Amylases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000150:complications; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007517:Isoamylase / Q000378:metabolism*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology
D000681:Amylases; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases; D007517:Isoamylase