Biliotórax: una entidad rara para un diagnóstico frecuente. Un reporte de caso / Bilothorax: a Rare Entity for a Frequent Diagnosis. A Case Report

Introducción: El biliotórax es una condición infrecuente definida por la presencia de bilis en el espacio pleural. Actualmente, hay alrededor de 70 casos descritos en la litera-tura. Sigue siendo relativamente desconocido, por lo tanto, poco sospechado. Esta entidad suele ser el resultado de una lesión iatrogénica, a menudo secundaria a cirugías o traumatismos del tracto biliar, que conduce a la formación de una fístula pleurobiliar.

Introduction: Bilothorax is a rare condition defined by the presence of bile in the pleural space. Currently, there are around 70 cases described in the literature. It remains relatively unknown and, therefore, little suspected. This entity is usually the result of an iatrogenic injury, often secondary to surgery or trauma to the biliary tract, leading to the formation of a pleurobiliary fistula

Pleural involvement in differentiated thyroid cancer / Compromiso pleural en cáncer diferenciado de tiroides

Abstract Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. It generally has a good prognosis, with a 10-year survival rate of over 90%. Pleural metastasis is uncommon. We present two cases of papillary thyroid cancer with pleural metastases. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2216).

Resumen El cáncer de tiroides es la neoplasia endocrinológica más común. Suele presentar un buen pro nóstico con una sobrevida a 10 años mayor al 90%. El compromiso metastásico pleural es poco frecuente. Presentamos dos casos de cáncer papilar de tiroides con compromiso pleural metastásico. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2216).

Catéter pleural permanente, una opción para el manejo del derrame pleural maligno / Malignant pleural effusion and palliative care with tunneled pleural catheter

Resumen Revisión narrativa sobre cómo el cáncer altera la fisiología de la pleura, cómo se estudia el derrame pleural maligno y cómo se puede brindar paliación al paciente con derrame pleural mediante el catéter pleural permanente tunelizado, cuyo uso demuestra mayores beneficios en diferentes ámbitos clínicos, siendo utilizado principalmente para el tratamiento del derrame pleural tumoral recurrente, pero también en algunos casos de derrame pleural benigno repetitivo, convirtiéndolo en un recurso terapéutico útil en el cáncer avanzado.

Abstract This narrative review examines how cancer causes changes in pleural physiology, how to study malignant pleural effusion, and how to bring palliative care to patients with pleural effusion by means of indwelling tunneled pleural catheter. This catheter shows greater benefits in clinical practice, being used mainly for the treatment of recurrent malignant pleural effusion, but also in some cases of recurrent benign pleural effusion, making it a useful therapeutic tool in advanced cancer.

Mesothelioma in a developing country: a retrospective analysis of the diagnostic process / Mesotelioma em um país em desenvolvimento: análise retrospectiva do processo diagnóstico

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the process of diagnosing patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving patients referred to a tertiary-care cancer center in Brazil between 2009 and 2020. The diagnostic process was divided into four steps: onset of symptoms, referral to a specialist visit, histopathological diagnosis, and beginning of treatment. The intervals between each phase and the factors for delays were evaluated. Data including clinical status, radiological examinations, staging, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were collected. Results: During the study period, 66 patients (mean age = 64 years) were diagnosed with MPM and underwent treatment. Only 27 (41%) of the patients had knowledge of prior exposure to asbestos. The median number of months (IQR) between the onset of symptoms and the first specialist visit, between the specialist visit and histopathological characterization, and between definite diagnosis and beginning of treatment was, respectively, 6.5 (2.0-11.4), 1.5 (0.6-2.1), and 1.7 (1.2-3.4). The knowledge of prior asbestos exposure was associated with a shorter time to referral to a specialist (median: 214 vs. 120 days; p = 0.04). A substantial number of nondiagnostic procedures and false-negative biopsy results (the majority of which involved the use of Cope needle biopsy) were found to be decisive factors for the length of waiting time. The mean overall survival was 11.9 months. Conclusions: The unfamiliarity of health professionals with MPM and the patient's lack of knowledge of prior asbestos exposure were the major factors to cause a long time interval between the onset of symptoms and beginning of treatment. An overall survival shorter than 1 year is likely to have been due to the aforementioned delays.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o processo de diagnóstico de pacientes com mesotelioma pleural maligno (MPM) em um hospital terciário. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo envolvendo pacientes encaminhados a um centro oncológico terciário no Brasil entre 2009 e 2020. O processo diagnóstico foi dividido em quatro etapas: início dos sintomas, encaminhamento para consulta especializada, diagnóstico histopatológico e início do tratamento. Foram avaliados os intervalos entre as etapas e os fatores de atraso. Os dados coletados incluíram estado clínico, exames radiológicos, estadiamento, modalidades de tratamento e resultados de sobrevida. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo, 66 pacientes (média de idade = 64 anos) foram diagnosticados com MPM e submetidos a tratamento. Apenas 27 (41%) dos pacientes tinham conhecimento de exposição prévia ao amianto. A mediana de meses (IIQ) entre o início dos sintomas e a primeira consulta especializada, entre a consulta especializada e a caracterização histopatológica e entre o diagnóstico definitivo e o início do tratamento foi, respectivamente, de 6,5 (2,0-11,4), 1,5 (0,6 -2,1) e 1,7 (1,2-3,4). Conhecimento de exposição prévia ao amianto associou-se a menor tempo para encaminhamento a um especialista (mediana: 214 vs. 120 dias; p = 0,04). O número substancial de procedimentos não diagnósticos e as biópsias falso-negativas (a maioria envolvendo o uso de biópsia com agulha de Cope) foram considerados fatores decisivos para o tempo de espera. A sobrevida global média foi de 11,9 meses. Conclusões: A falta de familiaridade dos profissionais de saúde com o MPM e o desconhecimento dos pacientes em relação à exposição prévia ao amianto foram os principais fatores que ocasionaram um longo intervalo de tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o início do tratamento. A sobrevida global inferior a 1 ano provavelmente se deve aos atrasos supracitados.

Talco estéril versus yodopovidona en pleurodesis como tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno. Estudio prospectivo no aleatorizado / Sterile talc versus povidone-iodine in pleurodesis as a treatment for malignant pleural effusion. Non-randomized prospective study

Comparar el uso del talco estéril versus yodopovidona como agentes químicos en pleurodesis para el tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno.Materiales y Métodos: Estudio clínico, analítico, observacional, prospectivo, el cual incluyó 12 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de derrame pleural maligno, a quienes se les practicó pleurodesis empleando talco estéril y yodopovidona.Resultados : Edad promedio fue de 46,25 ± 17,3 y la neoplasia primaria más común fue el cáncer de mama, representando el 50% de los casos estudiados. El grupo de pacientes tratados con yodopovidona tuvo 100% de efectividad en la fusión pleural posterior a la pleurodesis, y presentaron menos complicaciones durante el procedimiento y 24 horas posteriores al mismo con respecto al grupo tratado con talco estéril, el cual tuvo un 71,4% de efectividad y un 28,6% de falla al procedimiento; asimismo, estos últimos presentaron mayor porcentaje de complicaciones. Por otra parte, no se evidenció recidiva del derrame pleural en los 30 días de valoración posteriores al procedimiento. Estas diferencias no fueron estadísticamente significativas.Conclusiones : Ambos agentes esclerosantes fueron eficaces para lograr la fusión de las pleuras en pacientes con derrame pleural maligno, siendo el talco estéril el agente con mayor tendencia a producir complicaciones y fallo del procedimiento, en comparación a la yodopovidona(AU)

To compare the use of sterile talc versus povidone-iodine as chemical agents on pleurodesis for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.Materials and Methods : A total of 12 patients with clinical and histopathologic diagnose of malignant pleural effusion were enrolled in a clinical, analytic, observational and prospective trial, to whom sterile talc and povidone-iodine pleurodesis was applied.Results : The mean age was 46,25 ± 17,3 and the most common primary neoplasm was breast cancer, which was present in 50% of the surveyed cases. The group of patients who received povidone-iodine had 100% of effectiveness on post-pleurodesis pleural fusion, and had fewer complications during the procedure and 24 hours afterwards vis-à-vis the group who received sterile talc powder, which had 74.4% of effectiveness and 28.6% of procedure failure; furthermore, the last mentioned had higher percentage of complications. Moreover, there was no evidence of recurrence of pleural effusion in the 30 days post-procedure assessment.Conclusions : Both sclerosant agents were efficient to accomplish pleural fusion in patients with malignant pleural effusion, with sterile talc being the agent with higher tendency to generate more complications and procedure failure compared to povidone-iodine(AU)

Accuracy of closed pleural biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion / Exactitud de la biopsia pleural cerrada para el diagnóstico de derrame pleural maligno

ABSTRACT Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated that closed pleural biopsy (CPB) has a sensitivity of less than 60% for diagnosing malignancy. Therefore, controversy has recently emerged regarding the value of CPB as a diagnostic test. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of CPB in diagnosing malignancy in patients with pleural effusion. Methods: This was a prospective 8-year study of individuals who underwent CPB to establish the etiology of pleural effusion. Information on each patient was obtained from anatomopathological reports and medical records. When CPB findings showed malignancy or tuberculosis, the biopsy was considered diagnostic, and that was the definitive diagnosis. In cases in which biopsy histopathological findings were nonspecific, a definitive diagnosis was established on the basis of other diagnostic procedures, such as thoracoscopy, thoracotomy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, biochemical and cellular measurements in pleural fluid, and/or microbiological tests. The accuracy of CPB was determined with 2 × 2 contingency tables. Results: A total of 1034 biopsies from patients with pleural effusion were studied. Of those, 171 (16.54%) were excluded from the accuracy analysis either because of inadequate samples or insufficient information. The results of the accuracy analysis were as follows: sensitivity, 77%; specificity, 98%; positive predictive value, 99%; negative predictive value, 66%; positive likelihood ratio, 38.5; negative likelihood ratio, 0.23; pre-test probability, 2.13; and post-test probability, 82. Conclusions: CPB is useful in clinical practice as a diagnostic test, because there is an important change from pre-test to post-test probability.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estudios previos demuestran que la biopsia pleural cerrada (BPC) para diagnóstico de malignidad tiene una sensibilidad menor al 60%, por lo que recientemente ha despertado controversia su valor como prueba diagnóstica. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la exactitud de la BPC para diagnóstico de malignidad en pacientes con derrame pleural. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 8 años en individuos que se sometieron a la realización de BPC para establecer la etiología del derrame. La información de cada paciente se tomó de los registros de anatomopatología y del expediente clínico. Cuando el resultado de la BPC demostró malignidad o tuberculosis, esto se tomó como biopsia diagnóstica y quedó éste como diagnóstico definitivo. En los casos en que el resultado del estudio histopatológico de la biopsia resultó inespecífico, el diagnóstico definitivo se estableció en base a otros procedimientos diagnósticos, como toracoscopia, toracotomía, fibrobroncoscopia, estudio bioquímico y celular del líquido pleural y/o pruebas microbiológicas. Mediante una tabla de contingencia de 2 × 2 se midieron los indicadores para una prueba diagnóstica. Resultados: Se estudiaron 1034 biopsias de pacientes con derrame pleural, de las cuales se excluyeron 171 (16.54%) por muestra inadecuada o información insuficiente. El desempeño para malignidad fue: sensibilidad, 77%; especificidad, 98%; valores predictivos positivo y negativo, 99% y 66%, respectivamente; índices de probabilidad positivo y negativo, 38.5 y 0.23, respectivamente; probabilidad antes y después de la prueba, 2.13 y 82, respectivamente. Conclusión: La BPC es útil como prueba diagnóstica en la práctica clínica, debido a que produce un cambio importante de la probabilidad antes de la prueba a la probabilidad después de la prueba.

Ultrasound-guided intrapleural positioning of pleural catheters: influence on immediate lung expansion and pleurodesis in patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion / Posicionamento intrapleural, guiado por ultrassonografia, de cateteres pleurais: influência na expansão pulmonar imediata e na pleurodese em pacientes com derrame pleural maligno recorrente

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the role of intrapleural positioning of a pleural catheter in early lung expansion and pleurodesis success in patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion (RMPE). Methods: This was a retrospective study nested into a larger prospective cohort study including patients with RMPE recruited from a tertiary university teaching hospital between June of 2009 and September of 2014. The patients underwent pleural catheter insertion followed by bedside pleurodesis. Chest CT scans were performed twice: immediately before pleurodesis (iCT) and 30 days after pleurodesis (CT30). Catheter positioning was categorized based on iCT scans as posterolateral, anterior, fissural, and subpulmonary. We used the pleural volume on iCT scans to estimate early lung expansion and the difference between the pleural volumes on CT30 and iCT scans to evaluate radiological success of pleurodesis. Clinical pleurodesis success was defined as no need for any other pleural procedure. Results: Of the 131 eligible patients from the original study, 85 were included in this nested study (64 women; mean age: 60.74 years). Catheter tip positioning was subpulmonary in 35 patients (41%), anterior in 23 (27%), posterolateral in 17 (20%), and fissural in 10 (12%). No significant differences were found among the groups regarding early lung expansion (median residual pleural cavity = 377 mL; interquartile range: 171-722 mL; p = 0.645), radiological success of pleurodesis (median volume = 33 mL; interquartile range: −225 to 257 mL; p = 0.923), and clinical success of pleurodesis (85.8%; p = 0.676). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the position of the tip of the pleural catheter influences neither early lung expansion nor bedside pleurodesis success in patients with RMPE.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o papel do posicionamento intrapleural do cateter pleural na expansão pulmonar precoce e no sucesso da pleurodese em pacientes com derrame pleural maligno recorrente (DPMR). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo aninhado em um estudo prospectivo de coorte maior com pacientes com DPMR recrutados em um hospital-escola universitário terciário entre junho de 2009 e setembro de 2014. Os pacientes foram submetidos a inserção de cateter pleural e, em seguida, pleurodese à beira do leito. A TC de tórax foi realizada duas vezes: imediatamente antes da pleurodese (TCi) e 30 dias após a pleurodese (TC30). Com base na TCi, a posição do cateter foi classificada em posterolateral, anterior, fissural e subpulmonar. Usamos o volume pleural na TCi para estimar a expansão pulmonar precoce e a diferença entre os volumes pleurais na TC30 e na TCi a fim de avaliar o sucesso radiológico da pleurodese. Considerou-se que a pleurodese teve êxito clínico quando não foi necessário realizar nenhum outro procedimento pleural. Resultados: Dos 131 pacientes elegíveis do estudo original, 85 foram incluídos neste estudo aninhado (64 mulheres; média de idade: 60,74 anos). A posição da ponta do cateter foi subpulmonar em 35 pacientes (41%), anterior em 23 (27%), posterolateral em 17 (20%) e fissural em 10 (12%). Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos quanto à expansão pulmonar precoce (mediana da cavidade pleural residual = 377 ml; intervalo interquartil: 171-722 ml; p = 0,645), sucesso radiológico da pleurodese (mediana do volume = 33 ml; intervalo interquartil: −225 a 257 ml; p = 0,923) e sucesso clínico da pleurodese (85,8%; p = 0,676). Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que a posição da ponta do cateter pleural não influencia nem a expansão pulmonar precoce nem o sucesso da pleurodese à beira do leito em pacientes com DPMR.

Use of indwelling pleural catheters for the definitive treatment of malignant pleural effusion / Utilização de cateter pleural de longa permanência para o tratamento definitivo de derrame pleural neoplásico

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the use of indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Methods: We prospectively collected data from patients with MPE undergoing IPC placement between January of 2014 and July of 2015. All patients submitted to IPC placement had a life expectancy > 30 days, in accordance with the MPE treatment guidelines established by the British Thoracic Society. The data collected included gender, age, body mass index, primary cancer site, duration of IPC drainage, IPC-related complications, length of hospital stay, pleural effusion recurrence, and occurrence of spontaneous pleurodesis. Results: A total of 19 patients underwent IPC placement during the study period. Median overall survival after IPC insertion was 145 days. The median follow-up among the surviving patients was 125 days (range, 53-485 days), and the median time between catheter insertion and removal was 31 days (range, 2-126 days). There were IPC-related complications in 5 patients (26.2%), and spontaneous pleurodesis was achieved in 8 (42.0%). Among those 8 patients, the IPC was removed between days 30 and 126 in 4, and spontaneous pleurodesis occurred within the first 30 days in 4. Conclusions: The use of IPCs seems to be feasible and safe in patients with MPE.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança e a viabilidade do uso de cateter pleural de longa permanência (CPLP) em pacientes com derrame pleural neoplásico (DPN). Métodos: Dados referentes a pacientes com DPN que receberam CPLP entre janeiro de 2014 e julho de 2015 foram colhidos prospectivamente. Todos os pacientes que receberam CPLP tinham expectativa de vida > 30 dias, em conformidade com as diretrizes de tratamento de DPN da Sociedade Torácica Britânica. Foram colhidos dados sobre sexo, idade, índice de massa corporal, local do câncer primário, tempo de drenagem com o CPLP, complicações relacionadas com o CPLP, tempo de internação hospitalar, recidiva do derrame pleural e ocorrência de pleurodese espontânea. Resultados: Dezenove pacientes receberam CPLP durante o período de estudo. A mediana de sobrevida global após a inserção do CPLP foi de 145 dias. A mediana de tempo de acompanhamento dos pacientes sobreviventes foi de 125 dias (variação: 53-485 dias), e a mediana de tempo decorrido entre a inserção e a remoção do cateter foi de 31 dias (variação: 2-126 dias). Houve complicações relacionadas com o CPLP em 5 pacientes (26,2%) e pleurodese espontânea em 8 (42,0%). Nesses 8 pacientes, o CPLP foi retirado entre os dias 30 e 126 em 4, e a pleurodese espontânea ocorreu nos primeiros 30 dias em 4. Conclusões: O uso de CPLP parece ser viável e seguro em pacientes com DPN.

Mesotelioma pleural maligno en ocho pacientes y revisión del tema / Malignant pleural mesothelioma in eight patients and review of topic

Se actualizan aspectos etiopatogénicos, clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos en el mesotelioma pleural maligno, enfermedad temida e infrecuente en nuestro medio. Nos impresionó sobremanera, una profesional de salud tratada recientemente y en etapa temprana que apenas sobrevivió un año. El objetivo es elevar el conocimiento sobre el tema para tratar de mejorar la sobrevida. Se presentan una síntesis de ocho pacientes estudiados y tratados con este diagnóstico en los hospitales "Amalia Simoni", "Manuel Ascunce Domenech", "Madam Curie" de Camagüey y el "Martín Chang Puga" de Nuevitas desde 1998 hasta 2015, señalando el cuadro clínico, exámenes complementarios, diagnóstico, tratamiento médico quirúrgico y los resultados. Más de la mitad de los pacientes eran fumadores con pequeño derrame pleural inicial que hicieron pensar en la enfermedad, todo lo contrario cuando no existió derrame. Hubo tres enfermos donde el diagnóstico nos sorprendió por lo inesperado. La sobrevida fue baja con una media alrededor de 11 meses, solo uno vivió dos años. Los complementarios utilizados se ajustan a otros reportes y nuestras posibilidades. El tratamiento fue actualizado y acorde a otras series en el momento del diagnóstico. Se compara nuestra casuística, la cual se asemeja a publicaciones foráneas en cuanto a diagnóstico, tratamiento y sobrevida. Señalamos que, independiente de algunos recursos desde el punto de vista diagnóstico y terapéutico con que no contamos, los resultados se ajustan a la literatura actual y la sobrevida lograda fue sin dudas, adversa(AU)

Several etiopathogenetic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the malignant pleural mesothelioma, fearful and infrequent disease in our context, are updated. It was really impressive the case of a female health professional that was recently treated at early stage of disease and barely survived one year. The objective of this review was to raise the level of knowledge on this disease in oder to improve survival rates. To this end, eight patients with this diagnosis, who were studied and treated in "Amalia Simoni", "Manuel Ascunce Domenech", "Madame Curie" hospitals in Camaguey and in "Martin Chang Puga" in Nuevitas from 1998 to 2015 were presented. Their clinical picture, supplementary tests, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment and final results were described. Half of them were smokers with initial small pleural effusion that made the specialists suspect the existence of the disease. There were three patients whose diagnoses surprised the physicians because they were unexpected. Survival was low and the average survival rate was 11 months, although one managed to live two years. The indicated supplementary tests were similar to those of other reports and adjusted to our setting. Treatment was updated and consistent with other series at the time of diagnosis. The casuistry in our conditions was compared to others and it was similar in terms of diagnosis, treatment and survival rates to the one shown in foreign publication. Regardless of some unavailable diagnostic and therapeutic resources, the results of the treatment agree with those of the current literature on the topic and the survival rate was undoubtedly negative(AU)

Diagnóstico e tratamento dos derrames pleurais malignos / Diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusions

Carcinomas brônquicos, com maior frequência os adenocarcinomas, linfomas e carcinoma de mama, constituem 75% das causas de derrame pleural maligno (DPM). Para utilização das diversas opções terapêuticas paliativas disponíveis deve ser considerada uma avaliação multidisciplinar do estado do paciente, em conjunto com a experiência do profissional médico assistente, a capacidade técnica da instituição onde o tratamento será realizado e o custo-benefício AU.

Lung cancer, more often adenocarcinomas, lymphomas and breast carcinoma, are 75.0% of the causes of malignant pleural effusion. Palliative therapeutic options should be considered a multidisciplinary assessment of the patient's condition, together with the experience of the physician assistant professional, technical capacity of the institution where the treatment will be carried out and cost-effective AU.

Fatores prognósticos para a sobrevida dos pacientes com derrame pleural maligno / Prognostic factors for survival in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Introdução: O tratamento paliativo dos pacientes com Derrame Pleural Maligno (DPM) deve ser individualizado uma vez que esses pacientes têm sobrevida reduzida. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo capaz de identificar os fatores prognósticos relacionados à sobrevida dos pacientes com DPM. Métodos: É um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, observacional para identificar fatores prognósticos relacionados ao DPM em pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado de câncer oriundos do banco de dados do Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), vinculado ao Ministério da Saúde. A análise multivariada de Kaplan-Meier e o modelo de regressão de Cox foram utilizadas para determinar os fatores com potencial prognóstico relacionados à sobrevida desses pacientes. A sobrevida foi definida como o tempo do diagnóstico anátomo patológico até o óbito. Resultados: Cento e sessenta e cinco pacientes foram incluídos no estudo; 77 homens (47%), e 88 mulheres (53%). A mediana da idade foi de 60 anos (1,0 ­ 95,0), e todos os pacientes tinham DPM confirmados por exames cito e/ou histopatológicos. O carcinoma de pulmão, do tipo não pequenas células (36%), a neoplasia de mama (26%) e os linfomas (13%) foram os tumores mais frequentemente diagnosticados. A mediana da sobrevida global dos pacientes a partir do diagnóstico foi de 5 meses (1,0-96,0). A análise univariada de Kaplan-Meier demonstrou que a sobrevida dos pacientes estava significativamente relacionada com os seguintes fatores prognósticos: a escala de capacidade funcional (PS) da Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) (HR 10,0, IC 95%: 5,96 a 18,50, p < 0,0001), local do tumor primário (HR 1,99, IC 95%: 1,23 a 3,22, p < 0,01), citologia oncótica do líquido pleural positiva (HR 1,25, IC 95%: 0,88 a 1,78, p = 0,04), e exame histológico da pleura positivo (HR 1,33, IC 95%: 0,97 a 1,81, p = 0,04). Outros fatores prognósticos independentes avaliados não tiveram influência na sobrevida. A análise de regressão de Cox demonstrou que somente a escala da capacidade funcional (PS) da ECOG estava altamente relacionada com a sobrevida dos pacientes (HR 73,58, IC 95%: 23,44 a 230,95, p < 0,0001). Conclusões: a escala da capacidade funcional (PS) da ECOG foi um fator previsor independente de sobrevida para os pacientes com DPM no momento do diagnóstico inicial. Este fator prognóstico pode auxiliar os médicos na seleção dos pacientes para o tratamento paliativo apropriado da síndrome do DPM. AU

Background: The approach to palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) should be individualized because these patients generally have poor survival. This study aimed to develop a model to identify prognostic factors for survival time in patients with MPE. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, observational study to identify prognostic factors related to MPE in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer. Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant potential prognostic factors with respect to survival time. Survival time was defined as the time from pathological diagnosis to death. Results: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included; 77 were men (47%) and 88 were women (53%). The median age was 60 years (1.0 ­ 95.0), and all of the patients were pathologically proven to have MPE. Non-small-cell lung cancer (36.0%), breast carcinoma (26%), and lymphoma (13.0%) were the most frequently diagnosed tumors. The median overall survival of patients from the initial diagnosis was 5 months (range: 1.0­96.0 months). The Kaplan­Meier univariate analysis showed that survival was significantly related to the following prognostic factors: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group - Performance Status (ECOG - PS) (HR 10.0; 95% CI: 5.96 to 18.50, p < 0.0001); primary cancer site (HR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.22, p < 0.01); positive pleural cytology (HR 1.25; 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.78, p = 0.04); and positive histology (HR 1.33; 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.81, p = 0.04). Other potential independent diagnostic factors that were examined did not affect survival. Cox regression analysis showed that only the ECOG PS was highly predictive of survival (HR 73.58; 95% CI: 23.44 to230.95, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ECOG PS is an independent predictor of survival in patients with MPE at initial diagnosis. This prognostic factor can help physicians select patients for appropriate palliative treatment of this syndrome. AU

Aspectos diagnósticos y terapéuticos en el mesotelioma pleural maligno / Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Para el diagnóstico de mesotelioma se requiere distinguir entre afectación mesotelial benigna y maligna, y entre mesotelioma maligno y carcinoma metastásico. Para ello son necesarias técnicas inmuno-histoquímicas realizadas sobre biopsias amplias. La toracoscopia es la técnica de elección, aunque la biopsia con aguja usando técnicas de imagen en tiempo real puede ser muy útil si hay marcado engrosamiento nodular. Es improbable que la cirugía radical (pleuroneumonectomía) sea realmente curativa, por lo que está ganando adeptos la reducción de masa tumoral mediante pleurectomía/decorticación, con asociación de quimioterapia y radioterapia a la cirugía (terapia multimodal). Cuando la resección no es factible se plantea quimioterapia, con pleurodesis o colocación de un catéter pleural tunelizado si se requiere el control del derrame pleural y se reserva la radioterapia para tratar la infiltración de la pared torácica. También es esencial un completo control del dolor (que adquiere particular protagonismo en esta neoplasia) en unidades especializadas.

Diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma requires making the distinction between benign mesothelial hiperplasia and true mesothelioma, and between malignant mesothelioma and metastatic pleural adenocarcinoma. This involves immunohisto-chemical techniques applied on large biopsy specimens, and thoracoscopy is the best choice for obtaining them. Real-time image-guided needle biopsy can also be very helpful in presence of marked nodular pleural thickening. Radical surgery (ie, extrapleural pneumonectomy) is unlikely to cure completely the patient, and cyto-reduction surgery with preservation of the underlying lung (pleurectomy/decortication), with addition of chemo and radiation therapy (muiltimodal treatment) is gaining adepts in the last few years. When surgery is not feasible at all, early chemotherapy -with pleurodesis or placement of a indwelling pleural catheter (to control the effusion if necessary)- is advisable. Radiation therapy should be reserved to treat chest wall infiltration in those cases, and complete control of pain in specialized units is also essential in those patients.

Relação entre a elastância pleural e efetividade da pleurodese no derrame pleural maligno recidivante

Introdução: O tratamento para o derrame pleural maligno recidivado tem caráter paliativo, sendo a pleurodese o método mais utilizado. Contudo, nem todos os procedimentos são efetivos, em parte por um encarceramento do pulmão pela pleura visceral espessada que impede o contato entre os folhetos pleurais e subsequente pleurodese efetiva. A elastância pleural reflete o grau de encarceramento da pleura visceral, contudo sua correlação com a efetividade da pleurodese não é bem conhecido. Objetivo: Analisar a correlação entre a elastância pleural e a efetividade radiológica (quantificada por tomografia de tórax) da pleurodese realizada através de cateteres pleurais. Os objetivos secundários deste estudo são: correlacionar a elastância pleural com a qualidade de vida, graus de dispneia e dor após o procedimento, efetividade clínica, complicações e mortalidade. Correlacionar a posição da extremidade do cateter pleural com o sucesso radiológico e clínico da pleurodese. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo com 131 pacientes candidatos a pleurodese por instilação de nitrato de prata ou talco mineral por cateter pleural. As pressões pleurais foram aferidas através de manômetro hidrostático ou de transdutor eletrônico de pressão vascular durante o esvaziamento do líquido e usadas para calcular a elastância pleural, em cm H2O/L. A efetividade radiológica foi avaliada pelos volumes pleurais medidos por tomografias computadorizadas de tórax logo após a drenagem e 30 dias após a pleurodese. A efetividade clínica foi avaliada conforme a necessidade de procedimentos adicionais para controle de sintomas. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada através do questionário geral da OMS...

Background: The treatment of recurrent malignant pleural effusion has a palliative purpose. Pleurodesis is the most used method. However, not all the procedures are effective, in part because of the lung entrapment by the visceral pleura, preventing the contact between the pleural surfaces and subsequente effective pleurodesis. The pleural elastance reflects the degree of entrapment of the visceral pleura, but its correlation with the effectiveness of pleurodesis is not well known. Objetive: To evaluate the correlation between pleural elastance and radiological effectiveness (measured by tomography) of bedside pleurodesis. The secondary objectives of this study are: correlating the pleural elastance with quality of life, degree of dyspnea and pain after the procedure, clinical effectiveness, complications and mortality. Evaluate the role of intrapleural position of the pleural catheter in early lung expansion and success of pleurodesis. Methods: Prospective study including 131 patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion candidates for treatment with bedside pleurodesis with silver nitrate or mineral talc. Pleural pressures were measured through hydrostatic gauge or electronic pressure transducer during emptying of effusion and used to calculate the pleural elastance in cm H2O/L. Pleural volumes measured by CT scans of the chest after drainage and 30 days after pleurodesis were assess the radiological effectiveness. The clinical effectiveness was evaluated as the need for additional procedures to control symptoms. The quality of life was assessed using the WHO general questionnaire...

Caracterización y resultados de la pleurodesis con talco en derrame pleural neoplásico / Characterization and result of talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion

INTRODUCCIÓN: El derrame pleural neoplásico o maligno (DPN) es una complicación frecuente de las neoplasias metastásicas. La pleurodesis con talco es un tratamiento paliativo local efectivo, que tiene por objetivo mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente. OBJETIVOS: Describir características de pacientes con DPN y los resultados inmediatos y alejados del tratamiento quirúrgico con pleurodesis con talco. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo transversal, se describieron características clínicas, morbimortalidad, resultados inmediatos y alejados de pacientes con DPN tratados con pleurodesis con talco, desde enero del 2011 hasta noviembre del 2015, en Hospital Clínico de Concepción. Datos extraídos de protocolos quirúrgicos, fichas clínicas y registro de anatomía patológica, previa aprobación por el comité ético-científico. RESULTADOS: Total 70 pacientes; 47 (67,1%) mujeres, edad promedio 60,5±14,3 años (Rango 15- 85). Síntomas: disnea 67 (95,7%), dolor torácico 50 (71,4%); 43 (61,4%) correspondieron al lado derecho; 55 (78,6%) se clasificaron como derrames pleurales masivos. Tipo de cáncer: cáncer de mama 20 (28,6%), cáncer broncogénico 12 (17,1%). Procedimiento quirúrgico: videotoracoscopía 53 (75,7%), pleurotomía 14 (20,0%). Se realizó biopsia pleural en 52 (74,3%). Complicaciones post-operatorias en 7 (10,0%) pacientes. Presentaron reexpansión radiológica al alta 62 (88,6%) pacientes. Necesitaron nuevo procedimiento de evacuación pleural 6 (8,6%) pacientes. Supervivencia promedio 8,3 + 9,5 meses (Rango 1-46), con un 55,7% de sobrevida a los 3 meses de seguimiento. DISCUSIÓN: La pleurodesis con talco es un tratamiento paliativo efectivo del DPN, con adecuada reexpansión pulmonar al alta, baja morbimortalidad y baja necesidad de un nuevo procedimiento de evaluación pleural, similar a lo observado en la literatura

Avaliação citogenética molecular de células do líquido pleural de pacientes com derrame pleural maligno / Molecular cytogenetic evaluation of pleural fluid cells in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Introdução O diagnóstico de derrame pleural maligno (DPM) se baseia no achado de células tumorais no líquido ou no tecido pleural. Resultados falsos positivos ou falsos negativos influenciam na escolha da melhor conduta terapêutica a ser tomada, além de alterar substancialmente o prognóstico desses pacientes. A sensibilidade do exame citológico é geralmente inferior a 70%, motivo pelo qual, métodos complementares são frequentemente associados. Fatores como tipo histológico, sítio primário e grau de invasibilidade do tumor são os principais responsáveis por esta variação. Dentre os exames complementares propostos, destacam-se a dosagem de marcadores tumorais no líquido pleural (LP), as técnicas citoquímicas, imunocitoquímicas e de marcadores de proliferação celular em células do LP, a análise da ploidia de DNA por citometria de fluxo (CF) ou estática (CE) e, mais recentemente, as técnicas de citogenética e de biologia molecular, como a técnica de hibridação in situ por fluorescência (FISH) e a técnica de amplificação multiplex por sondas ligação - dependentes (MLPA) estas, capazes de detectar alterações em regiões gênicas consideradas "alvo" para o desfecho neoplásico. Objetivos 1) Padronizar as técnicas de DNA ploidia, FISH e MLPA em amostras frescas de líquido pleural; 2) Testar a eficiência diagnóstica dos métodos da DNA ploidia e da FISH no diagnóstico de derrame pleural maligno e 3) Avaliar alterações no número de cópias no gene EGFR em metástases pleurais utilizando a técnica de MLPA. Métodos Foram incluídos 200 pacientes adultos portadores de derrame pleural (DP) com indicação de toracocentese. O diagnóstico histológico foi o padrão ouro para malignidade. Características clínicas, radiológicas, histológicas e de seguimento clínico foram considerados para a exclusão de malignidade, de maneira que 130 casos foram classificados como malignos e 70 como benignos. As 200 amostras de LP foram submetidas ao exame citológico e à FISH utilizando sondas...

Introduction The diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is based on the finding of tumor cells in the pleural fluid or tissue. False positive or false negative results influence the choice of the best therapeutic approach to be used with these patients and substantially change their prognosis. The sensitivity of the cytology is generally lesser than 70%, for which complementary methods are often associated. Factors such as tumor histological type, staging, primary site and potential of invasiveness are responsible for this variation. Among the proposed ancillary tests, we highlight the dosage of tumor markers in pleural fluid (PF), the cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques, including markers of cell proliferation, DNA ploidy analysis by flow cytometry (FC) or static cytometry (EC) and more recently, the cytogenetics and molecular techniques, as the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the multiplex ligation - dependent probe amplification (MLPA), capable of detecting changes in gene regions considered "target" for the neoplastic outcome. Objectives 1) To standardize the techniques of DNA ploidy, FISH and MLPA in fresh samples of pleural fluid; 2) To test the diagnosis efficiency of DNA ploidy and FISH in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and 3) To evaluate changes in the copy number of the EGFR gene by using the MLPA technique in cases of pleural metastases. Methods We included 200 adult patients with pleural effusion and clinical indication for thoracentesis. The histological diagnosis was considered the gold standard for malignancy. Clinical follow-up, radiological and histological characteristics were considered for exclusion of malignancy, which ranked de cases as 130 malignant effusions and 70 as benign ones. All cases were submitted to cytology and FISH using centromeric probes for the chromosomes 11 and 17. Analysis of DNA ploidy by FC was performed in 45 cases and the MLPA for epidermal...

Diagnostic value of p16 methylation for malignant pleural effusion a meta-analysis / Valor diagnóstico de la metilación p16 en el derrame pleural maligno un meta-análisis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the overall diagnostic performance of the p16 methylation for diagnosing malignant pleural effusion (MPE). METHODS: All published literature in English and Chinese were reviewed. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were pooled by using random-effects model or fixed-effects model. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was used to evaluate the overall diagnostic value. RESULTS: Six studies were included with a total of 378 cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and DOR of p16 methylation in the diagnosis of MPE were 0.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35, 0.48], 0.97 [95% CI 0.93, 0.99], 9.57 [95% CI 4.53, 20.20], 0.61 [95% CI 0.45, 0.82] and 19.82 [95% CI 8.35, 47.04], respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.864. CONCLUSION: Pleural p16 methylation test plays a useful role in the diagnosis of MPE.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico general de la metilación p16 para el diagnóstico del derrame pleural maligno (DPM). MÉTODOS: Se revisó toda la literatura publicada en inglés y chino. La sensibilidad, especificidad, razón de verosimilitud, y el odds-ratio diagnóstico (DOR) fueron agrupados mediante el modelo de efectos aleatorios o el modelo de efectos. La curva de las características operativas de resumen del receptor (SROC) fue usada para evaluar el valor diagnóstico general. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron seis estudios con un total de 378 casos. La sensibilidad, especificidad, razón de verosimilitud positiva (PLR), razón de verosimilitud negativa (NLR) y el DOR de la metilación p16 en el diagnóstico de DPM, fueron 0.41 [95% intervalo de confianza (IC) 0.35 0.48], 0.97 [95% IC 0.93, 0.99], 9.57 [95% IC 4.53, 20.20], [95% IC 0.45, 0.82] 0.61 y 19.82 [95% IC 8.35, 47.04], respectivamente. El área bajo la curva (AUC) fue 0.864. CONCLUSIÓN: La prueba de metilación p16 pleural desempeña un papel útil en el diagnóstico del DPM.

Fatores clínicos e anatomopatológicos que influenciam a sobrevida de pacientes com câncer de mama e derrame pleural neoplásico / Clinical and pathological factors influencing the survival of breast cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores clínicos e anatomopatológicos que possam influenciar o prognóstico de pacientes com câncer de mama e sintomas clínicos de derrame pleural neoplásico. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo clínico de coorte, no qual foram analisados os prontuários médicos de pacientes que receberam diagnóstico de derrame pleural neoplásico entre 2006 e 2010. Por meio da análise dos prontuários, identificamos as pacientes com história de câncer de mama. Para essas pacientes, coletamos dados anatomopatológicos relacionados ao tumor primário e dados citopatológicos relacionados à metástase pleural. RESULTADOS: Das 145 pacientes avaliadas, 87 (60%) apresentaram, no exame citológico, resultado positivo para células neoplásicas no líquido pleural; além disso, 119 (82%) apresentaram tipo histológico ductal. O fenótipo triplo-negativo foi observado em 25 pacientes (17%), as quais apresentaram o pior prognóstico, com queda acentuada na curva de sobrevida. Das 25 pacientes, 20 (80%) evoluíram a óbito durante o período de seguimento (até junho de 2011). A sobrevida média após a identificação de derrame pleural neoplásico foi de 6 meses. CONCLUSÕES: Em pacientes com câncer de mama triplo-negativo e exame citológico com resultado positivo para células neoplásicas no líquido pleural, o prognóstico é ruim e a sobrevida é menor.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the clinical and pathological factors that can influence the prognosis of breast cancer patients with clinical symptoms of malignant pleural effusion. METHODS: This was a clinical cohort study, in which we analyzed the medical charts of patients diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion between 2006 and 2010. By examining the charts, we identified the female patients with a history of breast cancer. For those patients, we collected pathology data related to the primary tumor and cytopathology data related to the pleural metastasis. RESULTS: We evaluated 145 patients, 87 (60%) of whom had tested positive for malignant cells in the pleural fluid. Ductal histology was observed in 119 (82%). The triple-negative breast cancer phenotype was seen in 25 cases (17%). Those patients had the worst prognosis (with a sharp decline in the survival curve), and 20 of the 25 (80%) died during the follow-up period (through June of 2011). The mean survival after the identification of malignant pleural effusion was 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with triple-negative breast cancer who test positive for malignant cells in the pleural fluid, the prognosis is poor and survival is reduced.

Pleurodese nos derrames pleurais malignos: um inquérito entre médicos em países da América do Sul e Central / Pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions: a survey of physicians in South and Central America

OBJETIVO: A pleurodese é uma alternativa eficaz no controle dos derrames pleurais malignos, mas existem controvérsias a respeito de sua indicação e técnica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar como é realizada a pleurodese em países da América do Sul e Central. MÉTODOS: Profissionais que realizam pleurodese responderam um questionário sobre critérios de indicação para pleurodese, técnicas utilizadas e desfechos. RESULTADOS: Nossa amostra envolveu 147 profissionais no Brasil, 49 em outros países da América do Sul e 36 em países da América Central. Mais de 50 por cento dos participantes realizavam pleurodese somente se confirmada a malignidade no derrame pleural. Entretanto, escalas de dispneia e de status de performance eram raramente utilizadas para indicar o procedimento. Aproximadamente 75 por cento dos participantes no Brasil e na América Central preferiam realizar a pleurodese somente no caso de recidiva do derrame, e a expansão pulmonar deveria variar de 90 por cento a 100 por cento. O talco slurry foi o agente mais utilizado, instilado via drenos de calibre intermediário. A toracoscopia foi realizada em menos de 25 por cento dos casos. Febre e dor torácica foram os efeitos adversos mais comuns, e empiema ocorreu em < 14 por cento dos casos. A média de sobrevida após o procedimento variou entre 6 e 12 meses. CONCLUSÕES: Há variações consideráveis quanto aos critérios de indicação para pleurodese, técnicas utilizadas e desfechos entre os países. Talco slurry é o agente mais frequentemente utilizado, e a toracoscopia é a primeira escolha no Brasil. Os baixos índices de complicações e o tempo de sobrevida elevado indicam que a pleurodese é efetiva e causa poucos efeitos adversos.

OBJECTIVE: Pleurodesis is an effective alternative for the control of malignant pleural effusions. However, there is as yet no consensus regarding the indications for the procedure and the techniques employed therein. The objective of this study was to evaluate how pleurodesis is performed in South and Central America. METHODS: Professionals who perform pleurodesis completed a questionnaire regarding the indications for the procedure, the techniques used therein, and the outcomes obtained. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 147 respondents in Brazil, 49 in other South American countries, and 36 in Central America. More than 50 percent of the respondents reported performing pleurodesis only if pleural malignancy had been confirmed. However, scores on dyspnea and performance status scales were rarely used as indications for the procedure. Nearly 75 percent of the respondents in Brazil and in Central America preferred to perform pleurodesis only for recurrent effusions and stated that lung expansion should be 90-100 percent. Talc slurry, instilled via medium-sized chest tubes, was the agent most often employed. Thoracoscopy was performed in less than 25 percent of cases. Fever and chest pain were the most common side effects, and empyema occurred in < 14 percent of cases. The mean survival time after the procedure was most often reported to be 6-12 months. CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable variation among the countries evaluated in terms of the indications for pleurodesis, techniques used, and outcomes. Talc slurry is the agent most commonly used, and thoracoscopy is the technique of choice in Brazil. Pleurodesis is an effective procedure that has few side effects, as evidenced by the low complication rates and high survival times.

Valor de la videotoracoscopia en el derrame pleural maligno / Value of video-assisted throracoscopy in the malignant pleural effusion

La videotoracoscopia es una herramienta útil para el tratamiento de múltiples enfermedades torácicas, entre ellas, del derrame pleural maligno cuando otras modalidades de tratamiento han fallado en el control del derrame. Fue objetivo del presente estudio evaluar en nuestro servicio la utilidad de la videotoracoscopia para el tratamiento, mediante pleurodesis con talco, de pacientes con derrame pleural maligno. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, sobre una base de datos prospectiva, que comprendió a 45 pacientes consecutivos a quienes se practicó videotoracoscopia para diagnóstico o tratamiento de un derrame pleural maligno. Los pacientes fueron tratados entre enero de 1995 y julio de 2005. Las variables estudiadas fueron sexo, edad, origen del tumor primario, complicaciones y mortalidad, y el interés fundamental fue determinar el porcentaje de recaídas a los 30 días después de aplicado el procedimiento. Al sexo masculino correspondieron 24 pacientes (53,3 por ciento) y 21 (46,7 por ciento) al femenino. Las enfermedades primarias que predominaron fueron el cáncer pulmonar (48,9 por ciento) y el mamario (31,1 por ciento). La mayoría de los pacientes tenía entre 51 y 70 años de edad. En todos los casos excepto uno, el método se consideró útil, pues se logró retirar la sonda de drenaje torácico sin que reapareciera el derrame al mes de la intervención. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron fiebre posoperatoria (7) y empiema (2). Un paciente falleció a causa de insuficiencia respiratoria. La videotoracoscopia fue una herramienta útil para el tratamiento, mediante pleurodesis con talco, de los pacientes con derrame pleural maligno. No hubo recidiva del derrame a los 30 días de la intervención.

Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a useful tool to treat multiple thoracic diseases, such as the malignant pleural effusion when the other treatment modalities have failed in the control of the effusion. It was the objective of this study to evaluate the usefulness of the video-assisted thoracoscopy by talc pleurodesis among patients with malignant pleural effusion. in our service. A retrospective prospective study that included 45 consecutive patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy for the diagnosis or treatment of a malignant pleural effusion. was carried out. The patients were treated between January 1995 and July 2005. The studied variables were sex, age, origin of the primary tumor, complications, mortality and the fundamental interest to determine the percentage of relapses 30 days after the application of the procedure. 24 patients were males (53.3 percent) and 21 were females (46.7 percent). The predominating diseases were lung (48.9 percent) and breast cancer (31.1 percent). Most of the patients were 51-70. In all the cases, excepting one, the method was considered useful, since the thoracic drainage stent was removed, and a month after surgery the effusion did not reappear. The most frequent complications were postoperative fever (7) and empyema (2). A patient died due to respiratory failure. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was a useful tool for treating patients with malignant pleural effusion by talc pleurodesis. No relapse of the effusion was observed 30 days after surgery.

Pleurodesis en derrame pleural maligno / Pleurodesis in maliagnant pleural effusions

Tradicionalmente, la pleurodesis se ha empleado en enfermos con neoplasias malignas confirmadas y esperanza razonable de sobrevida, complicados con derrame pleural recurrente de más de la mitad del hemitórax, con disnea que mejora con la evacuación del líquido, un pulmón que puede expandirse hasta la pared torácica y la expectativa de un periodo de sobrevida razonable. La evacuación del líquido y la inducción de esclerosis pleural se puede intentar en la cama del enfermo, o en el cubículo de urgencias con un catéter fino o una sonda de mayor diámetro, en una sala de procedimientos por toracoscopía de un acceso con anestesia local y sedación, o bien, en un quirófano con anestesia general por videotoracoscopía, introduciendo sustancias esclerosantes y/o realizando diversos tipos de abrasión sobre las pleuras parietal y visceral. Se propone el empleo de pleurodesis cerrada de primera intención con un catéter pleural o vascular que sirve para evacuar todo el líquido e introducir el agente esclerosante, en enfermos con neoplasias malignas que cursen con derrame pleural de más de la mitad del hemitórax, con disnea o sin ella, y esperanza razonable de sobrevida; según el caso particular, el catéter se puede extraer, previo control radiográfico, dejarlo para repetir la pleurodesis varios días y luego retirarlo o, si falla la pleurodesis, dejarlo in situ para drenar el tórax con una jeringa cada vez que sea necesario, sin preocuparse ya por buscar la pleurodesis en estos enfermos afectados por una neoplasia terminal, y que desean vivir sin disnea los días que les quedan de vida; el procedimiento no es oneroso, se realiza sin necesidad de hospitalización, no requiere sonda torácica ni drenaje pleural y es efectivo en el 90% de los enfermos. El consenso de la información actual no aconseja la pleurectomfa parietal como procedimiento de elección.

Traditionally, pleurodesis has been attempted in patients with confirmed malignant tumors with recurring pleural effusions of more than half the size of the hemithorax, dyspnea that is relieved by evacuation of the fluid, a lung able to reach the chest wall and the expectation of a reasonably long survival period. Pleurodesis can be done at the bedside, the emergency room, in a procedure room by medical thoracoscopy under local anesthesia and sedation, or in the operating room by VATS under general anesthesia, introducing an sclerosing agent and/or producing pleural abrasion by different means. We propose "first contact closed pleurodesis " for patients with an unequivocal diagnosis of malignancy, a pleural effusion of more than half the size of the hemithorax, even if asymptomatic, and the expectation of a reasonably long survival period, using a vascular or pleural catheter to drain the fluid and introduce the sclerosing substance; depending on the chest x-ray, the catheter can be pulled out, left in situ to repeat the introduction of the sclerosing agent or, if this fails, to drain the fluid as often as necessary with a sterile syringe, ignoring the goal to achieve pleurodesis; the procedure is effective in over 90% of cases and non-expensive, can be done on an outpatient basis and does not require a chest tube nor a pleural drainage system. Present day consensus does not support parietal pleurectomy as an elective choice for these patients.