Diagnostic Value of Carcinoembryonic Antigen and C-reactive Protein Levels in the Discrimination Between Malignant Pleural Effusion and Parapneumonic Effusion

Introduction: There are problems in the differential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and parapneumonic effusion (PPE). We investigated the diagnostic value of levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the discrimination of MPE and PPE. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients with MPE and 21 patients with PPE were assessed. CEA and CRP levels were measured in the pleural fluids. Results: CEA levels in the pleural fluid were 55.03±102.96 ng/mL (0.4-387) and 1.11±1.07 ng/mL (0.12-4.30) in patients with MPE and PPE, respectively. The high levels of CEA in patients with MPE were statistically significant (p