Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) gene rearrangements occur in approximately 5% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC), leading to the overexpression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase and predicting a response to the targeted inhibitor, crizotinib. Malignant pleural effusion occurs in most patients with advanced lung cancer, especially aden...

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions of Tarceva treatment for malignant pleural effusion (MPE) caused by metastatic lung adenocarcinomas. One hundred and twenty-eight patients who failed first-line chemotherapy drug treatment were divided into a mutation and a non-mutation group according to th...

Background: Tuberculous, parapneumonic and traumatic loculated pleural-effusions pose therapeutic challenges due to resultant pleural-thickening and compromised lung-function for life. Tuberculosis is widely prevalent in developing countries, necessitating appropriate, effective, and economical treatment for loculated pleural-effusion to reduce the burden and sequelae. <s...

Pleural plaques were found in 644 (66%Y.) of 9,760 photofluorograms taken in 1965 in a region of Pel'hrimov district; the incidence was highest in the age group 66-70 years. The advanced age of those affected may be explained by the greater frequency of the causative agent in the past. The disorder was known in Pelhrimov district as early as 1930; it was then thought to be posttuberculous. The ...

The level of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in pleural fluid has been reported to be increased in pleural tuberculosis. Nevertheless, its diagnostic value has not yet been well-established, and immunocompromised patients have not previously been evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the IFN-gamma level in pleural fluid for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy in immunocompeten...

BACKGROUND The normal visceral and parietal pleura are composed of a mesothelium-lined layer of fibrous connective tissue, consisting predominantly of collagen and elastin fibers, with interspersed nerves, lymphatics, and blood vessels. There is no normal epithelial component to the pleura, and the histologic finding of epithelial cells within pleural tissue typically indicates the presence of ...

Mesotheliomas are tumors of low grade malignancy originating from mesothelial cells covering the coelomic cavities such as pericardium, pleura, peritoneum and vaginal tunic (Seo et al., 2007). The three types mesotheliomas epithelial, fibrous (arcomatous) biphasic (mixed). epithelial form, which closely resembles carcinoma adenocarcinoma, is most common type mesothelioma in dogs (Echandi Pleura...

Background: The alteration of Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels is the subject of controversy in pleural effusions caused by malignancy, a situation that favors a Th2 immune response. Objective: To examine the different levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2 cytokines), and IL-2 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (Th1 cytokines) in malignant and non-malignant pleural effusions. Method: The cytokine levels in pleural fl...

We present 2 cases in which, when faced with suspicion of catamenial hemopneumothorax or pneumothorax, video-assisted thoracoscopy was used for identification, biopsy, and electrocoagulation of the tissue sites where pleural endometriosis was suspected.