Diagnostic Value of Biochemical Analysis of Pleural Effusions: Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Beta2Microglobulin

Abstract

Pleural effusions from 105 patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases were examined for tumor cells, content of CEA, beta₂ microglobulin, ceruloplasmin, alpha₂ macroglobulin, orosomucoid, lysozyme, and hexosaminidase. Only CEA and beta₂ microglobulin determinations were of diagnostic value. CEA concentrations greater than 11 ng/ml were found only in malignant effusions. Beta, microglobulin values were increased in pleural effusions due to lymphoma or immune diseases. Measurement of CEA and beta₂ microglobulin in addition to the cytologic examination could increase the diagnostic significance of the analysis of pleural effusions.