Background: Tumor markers were used in malignant pleural effusion with negative cytology.Aim of the work: The aim was to assess the value of serum and pleural levels of cyfra 21-1 (fragment of cytokeratin 19) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 48 patients divided into group I (benign effusion) and group II (malignant effusion).
Chest X-ray P.A view, pleural fluid analysis and measurement of serum and pleural levels of CEA and cyfra 21-1 were synovex one grass done.Results: Serum and pleural levels of cyfra 21-1 and CEA were significantly increased in the malignant group and compared to other groups.
Sensitivities of cyfra 21-1 and CEA in serum were 90.4 and 90.5 and in pleural fluid were 94.
7 and 92.6, the specificities of cyfra 21-1 and CEA in serum were 86.9 and 83.
5 and in pleural fluid were guerlain ideal cologne 89.3 and 85.8 but sensitivity of both cyfra 21-1 and CEA in serum and pleural fluid was 100 and specificities in serum and pleural fluid were 92.
86 and 96.43.Conclusion: Measurement of cyfra 21-1 and CEA in serum and pleural fluid is helpful in differentiation between benign and malignant pleural effusions.