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  • Title: Pleural fluid mesothelin for the differential diagnosis of exudative pleural effusions.
    Author: Alemán C, Manuel Porcel J, Ma Segura R, Alegre J, Esquerda A, Ruiz E, Bielsa S, de Sevilla TF.
    Journal: Med Clin (Barc); 2009 Oct 03; 133(12):449-53. PubMed ID: 19783262.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor that can be difficult to diagnose, resulting in a delayed diagnosis in some cases. Recent studies have reported that determination of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) in pleural fluid may be a promising marker for use in the diagnosis of MM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pleural fluid SMRP concentration was measured in 68 patients: 47 had malignant pleural effusions (18 MM and 29 metastatic effusion) and 21 had benign pleural effusion (8 infectious disease and 13 idiopathic effusion). Mann-Whitney analysis was used to compare SMRP values according to the etiology of the effusion. RESULTS: Pleural fluid SMRP concentration was significantly higher in patients with malignant pleural effusion than in those with benign effusion (P=0.02). When malignant pleural effusions were analyzed separately, MM patients had the highest median pleural fluid SMRP concentration, with significant differences as compared to patients with idiopathic pleural effusion. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble mesothelin-related peptide measurement in pleural fluid may aid in the diagnosis of patients presenting with pleural effusion.
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