Key result
Serum CA 15-3 levels above 25 U/ml predicted malignant aetiology in patients with pericardial effusion with 71% sensitivity and 78% specificity (AUC 0.83, p=0.002).
Why the study?
Do serum tumor markers predict malignant etiology in patients with pericardial effusion?
Observational (n=69)
Do serum tumor markers predict malignant etiology in patients with pericardial effusion?
Serum tumor markers, particularly CA 15-3, can aid in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion and predict underlying malignancies.
May aid malignant pericardial effusion diagnosis; leaves open prospective validation before routine use.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of tumour markers in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusions and to assess their changing levels during follow up. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients who were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of pericardial effusion were included in the study. Serum tumour markers were measured on admission and after a mean of 18 ± 7 months' follow up. An aetiological diagnosis was made on clinical evaluation, imaging techniques and biochemical, microbiological and pathological analysis. The patients were divided into five groups according to the aetiology of their pericardial effusions. RESULTS: Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 12-5 and CA 15-3, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were significantly higher in patients with malignancies than in those with viral/idiopathic pericarditis. With multivariate analysis, CA 15-3 levels were found to be the most significant determinant (p = 0.027). In the ROC curve analysis, CA 15-3 values above 25 U/ml predicted a malignancy with 71% sensitivity and 78% specificity. CONCLUSION: Tumour markers, particularly CA 15-3, may be useful in the differential diagnosis and prediction of malignancies in patients with pericardial effusion. In patients with viral/idiopathic aetiology, these serum tumour markers were slightly elevated in the acute phase, but after a mean of one year of follow up, their levels returned to normal, contrary to those with malignancies.
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Bildirici et al. (2012) conducted an observational in Pericardial effusion (n=69). Serum tumour markers (CA 15-3, CA 125, CEA) vs. Benign aetiologies was evaluated on Prediction of pericardial effusions caused by malignancies using CA 15-3 > 25 U/ml (AUC 0.83, p=0.002). Serum CA 15-3 levels above 25 U/ml predicted malignant aetiology in patients with pericardial effusion with 71% sensitivity and 78% specificity (AUC 0.83, p=0.002).
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