The diagnostic role of Medical Thoracoscopy in evaluation of patients with unexplained exudative pleural effusion: A single-center experience of 25 patients.
https://doi.org/10.18093/0869-0189-2026-36-1-65-70
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pleural effusion is defined as an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. The diagnostic approach to pleural effusions depends on the clinical context and initial pleural fluid aspiration. However, in some cases, pleural fluid analysis fails to establish a definitive diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of medical thoracoscopy in patients with unexplained exudative pleural effusions.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the respiratory unit of Al Dowaly Private Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, over a period of 9 months. Twenty-five patients with unexplained exudative pleural effusions, after non-diagnostic pleural fluid analysis, were included. Patients with hemodynamic instability, coagulopathy, serological or PCR evidence of current COVID-19 infection, or a previously established diagnosis of pleural effusion were excluded.
Results: Medical thoracoscopy provided a definitive diagnosis in 19 out of 25 patients (76%). Among these, malignancy was identified in 64% of cases, while tuberculosis accounted for the remaining diagnoses.
Conclusion: Medical thoracoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool with high yield and minimal complications. It is recommended for patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions following inconclusive initial work-up.
Supporting agencies: The research is funded by the authors.
About the Authors
M. Mazin Khazaal
College of Medicine University of Baghdad
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Mustafa Mazin Khazaal, Pulmonologist and Internist
PO Box 61023, Bab Al-Muadham, Al-Rasafa, Baghdad
tel.: (964) 782-478-9222
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
M. Neama Abid Ali
College of Medicine University of Baghdad
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Mustafa Neama Abid Ali, Pulmonologist and Internist
PO Box 61023, Bab Al-Muadham, Al-Rasafa, Baghdad
tel.: (964) 7707-882-782
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
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For citations:
Mazin Khazaal M., Neama Abid Ali M. The diagnostic role of Medical Thoracoscopy in evaluation of patients with unexplained exudative pleural effusion: A single-center experience of 25 patients. PULMONOLOGIYA. 2026;36(1):65-70. https://doi.org/10.18093/0869-0189-2026-36-1-65-70
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