Semirigid thoracoscopy in unexplained pleural effusions: An analysis of 40 cases

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of semirigid thoracoscopy in unexplained pleural effusions. Methods Clinical data about 40 patients who underwent semirigid thoracoscopy for unexplained pleural effusion from January 2010 to September 2014 in Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Results Of the 40 patients, semirigid thoracoscopy were completed in 37 cases. Of these 37 cases, 15 were pathologically diagnosed with malignant tumor metastases, 7 with mesothelioma, 4 with tuberculous pleuritis, 1 with rheumatoid arthritis related pleural effusion, 5 with non-specific pleuritis, and 5 were still pathologically undetermined. The diagnostic accuracy of semirigid thoracoscopy was 86.5%. No major complication occurred in patients during the procedure. Conclusion Semirigid thoracoscopy is a safe and accurate tool for undiagnosed pleural effusions.