Elevated Level of Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Nonmalignant Pleural Effusions

摘要: Study objective Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most frequently used tumor marker in pleural fluid. Nevertheless, little known about causes of false-positive results. The aim study was to analyze frequency, etiologies, and characteristics nonmalignant effusions associated with elevated levels CEA Patients Two hundred seventy-three consecutive patients were evaluated, 91 (33%) malignancy, 182 (67%) due benign diseases (51 transudates, 38 tuberculosis, 37 parapneumonic, 56 other). Results A level fluid above 10 ng/mL found 47% malignancy. Elevated also 17 (9%) effusions: all five empyemas, one 23 typical parapneumonic (4%), two six borderline complicated (33%), four eight (50%), tuberculous pleurisy (3%), 11 hepatic transudates (9%), only patient urinothorax, acute pancreatitis, postsurgery effusion but esophageal carcinoma serum. Conclusions Although an suggestive can be 9% owing diseases, especially empyemas effusions. Identifying frequent results helps correctly interpret findings this marker.