The value of DNA ploidy analysis by flow cytometry in diagnosis of pleural effusion and the ascitic cells.

Objective To explore the value of DNA ploidy analysis by flow cytometry in diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and ascitic cells. Methods Flow cytometry (FCM) and exfoliative cytologic examination were used to detect 57 patients with peural effusion and ascites (malignant 27, benign 30 respectively) and compared their sensitivity and specificity. Results The positive rate in benign and malignant pleural effusion and the ascites was 6.67 %, 62.92 %; 3.33 %, 48.15 % with FCM and exfoliative cytologic examination respectively. There was very significant difference between benign and malignant pleural effusion and the ascites (P 0.01 ). FCM and exfoliative cytologic examination's sensitivity was 62.96 %, 48.15 % and their specificity was 93.33 %, 96.67 % in malignant pleural effusion and ascites. There was no significant difference (P 0.05 ). Conclusion The analysis of the DNA aneuploid in the pleural fluid and the ascites by flow cytometry provided the valuable cytodiagnosis for the malignant tumors.