The diagnostic value of FCM DNA content for benign and malignant pleural effusion

Objective To assess the diagnostic value of flow cytometry(FCM) DNA content analysis in benign and malignant pleural effusion.Methods Fresh pleural effusion were taken from 50 patients(30 malignant pleural effusion,20 benign pleural effusion).All pleural effusion was measured for DNA heteroploid detection with flow cytometry.The diagnostic value of this method was compared with pleural CEA and ADA detection.Results The rate of DNA heteroploid was respectively 73.3% and 5% in malignant and benign pleural effusion(P0.01).The average level of CEA was 4.7±1.5 ug/L in benign pleural effusion and 34.8±14.9 ug/L in malignant pleural effusion(P0.01).The average level of ADA was 52.7±22.2 IU/ml in benign pleural effusion and 27.1±10.8 IU/ml in malignant pleural effusion(P0.01).Sensitivity of DNA analysis was 73.3% and the specificity was 85%.Sensitivity and specificity of DNA analysis addition to pathological analysis can reach to 83.3% and 100%.Conclusions the FCM DNA content analysis has an adjunctive value in diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and provides a beneficial method in differential diagnosis of pleural effusion.