Abstract

The most typical pleural pathology manifestation is still pleural effusion. Despite routine biochemical and cytological examination of the pleural fluid, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between tubercular and malignant pleural effusion. Aims- This study aims to assess the value of pleural biopsy in identifying the cause of pleural effusion and correlating it with cytological and biochemical pleural fluid parameters. Methods: thirty consecutive patients of pleural effusion were selected from the out patient and indoor department of a tertiary hospital of central India. Biochemical, cytological and microbiological evaluation of pleural fluid was done in all cases. Those with exudative pleural effusions underwent pleural biopsy. Subsequently, the etiology of effusion was determined. Results: Malignancy was the most common etiology, followed by tuberculosis. Pleural biopsy was done in 30 patients. Malignancy was diagnosed in 13, tuberculosis in 10 and 7 cases were remain undiagnosed , on histopathological examination. Mean value of pleural fluid ADA in malignancy patients is 11.5, whereas in tuberculosis patients its 28.6. Conclusions: In our study, malignancy is more common than tuberculosis. pleural fluid cytology and pleural biopsy can give definite diagnosis

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