Diagnostic potential of carcinoembryonic antigen and ferritine in tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and ferritine in malignant and tuberculous non-bloody pleural effusion. The etiology of diseases was determined by cytologic, histologic and microbiologic methods. CEA concentration above 5 ng/ml and ferritine concentration above 200 ng/ml were considered to be positive. There was significant difference in the value of CEA measured in malignant and in tuberculous pleural effusion (P < 0.005) as well as in the sera (P < 0.01) of these two groups. There was no correlation between concentration of CEA and ferritine in malignant pleural effusion. Ratio between CEA and ferritine in effusions and sera was of no help in discriminating malignant from tuberculous effusions. No correlation between examined markers and physical status of patients was observed. The sensitivity and specificity of CEA assay in malignant pleural effusion was 65% and 90%, respectively, and for ferritine 67% and 80%, respectively. A high correlation was observed between the CEA concentration in malignant pleural effusion and sera patients (r = 0.95). Combined sensitivity and specificity of CEA and ferritine was 65.9% and 85%. Bayes theorem was used to calculate the positive predictive values for CEA and ferritine, which were 53% and 37%, respectively. Results obtained in the study show the relatively good diagnostic potential of CEA.