Thoracentesis is the method of choice for obtaining samples of pleural fluid. Although it is considered a minimum invasive procedure, it is crucial to follow a standardized technique with the purpose of optimizing the chance of diagnosis and minimizing risks. The pleura biopsy may enlarge and complement the chance of diagnosis of the pleural diseases and is indicated in selected cases.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for only 3% of adult malignancies, and the lung is the most common site of metastasis of this tumor, which may be accompanied by pleural metastasis. However, solitary pleural involvement is very rare and its presentation with dyspnea as the first manifestation of RCC is extremely rare.We describe a 39-year-old male with episodes of dyspnea dating back 6...

Nontuberculous mycobacterium infection is rarely accompanied by pleural involvement. We describe a very rare occurrence of Mycobacterium (M) avium pleuritis with pleural effusion in a non-compromised 73-year-old woman patient who had been treated for sick sinus syndrome. She was admitted to our hospital with general malaise and left pleural effusion. To establish a definitive diagnosis, a biops...

This study presents the differential diagnosis of metastatic tumors of the pleura vs. primary pleural malignancies in a male patient whose diagnosis was multiple myeloma with pleural involvement and confirmed by bone marrow aspiration and pleural biopsy. Computed tomography (CT) manifestations of this case were retrospectively analyzed, and compared with those of primary pleural malignancies. T...

BACKGROUND Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy increases the diagnostic yield of pleural effusions undiagnosed after thoracentesis and is superior to closed pleural biopsy. Medical thoracoscopy can be performed using the rigid thoracoscope or the semirigid thoracoscope (pleuroscope). In this randomized trial, we compare the efficacy and safety of the 2 thoracoscopes. METHODS Subjects with undiagnose...

Two patients in whom bleeding into the pleural space was a major complication of fine needle biopsy of the lung are described. Both had a pleural effusion before biopsy.

BACKGROUND Tuberculous pleuritis remains the commonest cause of exudative effusions in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis and histological and/or microbiological confirmation on pleural tissue is the gold standard for its diagnosis. Uncertainty remains regarding the choice of closed pleural biopsy needles. OBJECTIVES This prospective study compared ultrasound-assisted Abrams and Tru...

To know the diagnostic role of pleural biopsy in determining underlying etiological causes of exudative pleural effusion. A total of 47 patients, aged 16-104 years with mean age of 47.36 years, of either sex, with exudative pleural effusion underwent closed pleural biopsy with Abram's needle in standard way. Average 4-6 biopsy specimens were obtained from each patient, which were sent for histo...

A 66-year-old man with a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance was referred for investigation of bilateral transudative pleural effusions by the cardiology team. Echocardiography, myocardial perfusion scanning and left heart catheterisation were all normal or non diagnostic. Given significant occupational asbestos exposure in his twenties he underwent thoracoscopic pleural ...