Diagnostic Yield of Pleuroscopy in Undiagnosed Pleural Effusions

Izza Abbas; Shahzeb Ahmed  Satti; Muhammad  Imran; Maryam  Hussain; Karamat  Ali; Hassan  Raza

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v75i2.11137

Authors

Izza Abbas Department of Pulmonology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Shahzeb Ahmed Satti Department of Pulmonology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Muhammad Imran Department of Pulmonology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Maryam Hussain Department of Pulmonology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Karamat Ali Department of Pulmonology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Hassan Raza Department of Pulmonology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v75i2.11137

Keywords:

Diagnostic yield, Pleural Biopsy, Pleural Effusion, Pleuroscopy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of pleuroscopy in undiagnosed pleural effusions.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Pulmonology Department of Pakistan Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Mar to Aug 2023.

Methodology: This study selected ninety-eight patients having undiagnosed pleural effusions, aged 15-70 years. Both genders with symptoms of weight loss, fever, cough, and smoking were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Informed consent was taken before enrolling patients, moderate sedation was given to the patients before the procedure. Complications were recorded.

Results: A total of 98 patients with mean age of 56.6±7.6 years, 24(24.49%) were female, and 74(75.51%) male patients were included. 64(64.3%) patients had malignancy, 22(22.5%) had benign pleural effusions and findings of 13(12.2%) had remained undiagnosed or inconclusive. The diagnostic yield after pleuroscopy was reported to be 87.7%. Post-Pleuroscopy complications comprised an overall rate of 9.2%, were identified.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Pleuroscopy offers a high diagnostic yield in evaluating undiagnosed pleural effusions, confirming its effectiveness and safety. The findings of the study confirm that Pleuroscopy should be considered a valuable tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of exudative pleural effusions. Its precision and patient satisfaction support its wider use in clinical practice.

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