Evaluation of predictive value of pleural CEA in patients with pleural effusions and histological findings: A prospective study and literature review

The p-CEA measurement in patients with pleural effusion of uncertain etiology is a safe and cost-effective procedure, everywhere easily available, which may help clinicians in selecting patients for further evaluations. An elevated p-CEA level in a patient with pleural effusion and negative pleural cytology suggests the need of more invasive procedure (e.g. VATS-guided biopsies), whilst low p-CEA may support a follow-up.