Value of medical thoracoscopy in diagnosis of pleural effusion of unknown causes

Objective To analyse the value of medical thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of unknown pleural effusion and its safety.Methods 92 cases of unknown pleural effusion treated in our department of respiratory medicine and intensive medicine from April 2010 to April 2013 were examined through medical thoracoscopy,pleural lesion was observed,and the abnormal parts were made biopsy and pathologic examination.Results In 92 patients with pleural effusion,84 cases were diagnosed,the positive rate of diagnosis was 91.3 ％,in which 48 cases were malignant pleural effusion,29 cases were tuberculous pleural effusion,four cases were nonspecific inflammation,two cases were purulent pleuritis,one case was sarcoidosis,8 cases had unknown etiology,11 cases had postoperative pain,three cases had fever,and one case had bleeding.Conclusions Medical thoracoscopy is helpful to further clarify the causes of unexplained pleural effusion with superior tolerability,safety,and effectivity,it is worth clinical application. Key words: Medical thoracoscopy ;  Pleural effusion of unknown causes : Diagnosis