Diagnostic evaluation of pleural effusion and the role of needle pleural biopsy.

Pleural effusion is a commonly encountered medical problem. Its clinical and radiological features often fail to identify the underlying cause. Pleural fluid aspiration and needle biopsy of pleura are initial diagnostic procedures to ascertain the aetiology of effusion. Both these procedures are performed under local anaesthesia and cariy a low risk of complication. Being a blind procedure, adequate pleura may not be obtained with needle biopsy. The diagnostic yield of pleural biopsy varies according to the underlying disease as well as the number of biopsies taken. In our study, we have assessed (a) yield of adequate tissue in needle biopsy of pleura; (b) number in which the histology was diagnostic, (c) complications of biopsy and (d) results of histology in comparison with pleural aspirate. Finally we have suggested a guideline for investigation of pleural effusion.