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Review
. 2010 Sep;19(117):213-6.
doi: 10.1183/09059180.00005410.

Why you do or do not need thoracoscopy

J P Janssen  1
Affiliations
Review

Why you do or do not need thoracoscopy

J P Janssen. Eur Respir Rev. 2010 Sep.

Abstract

Thoracoscopy is an old but still very valuable technique for the evaluation of pleural pathology and, especially for the further investigation of the aetiology of pleural fluid. It remains of great importance, since it is able to not only provide an exact diagnosis, but also can have therapeutic potential. In this review, the differential diagnostic aspects of transudate versus exudate are further elaborated, and the role of thoracoscopy is compared to closed pleural biopsy and image guided biopsy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Statement of Interest

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The diagnostic work-up of pleural effusion. CT: computed tomography.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Blind needle biopsy of the pleura: why not?
    Psathakis K, Skouras V. Psathakis K, et al. Eur Respir Rev. 2011 Jun;20(120):120-2; author reply 122. doi: 10.1183/09059180.00000711. Eur Respir Rev. 2011. PMID: 21632801 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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