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High Amylase Levels in Neoplasm-Related Pleural Effusion
- Mordechai R. Kramer, MD;
- Mario J. Saldana, MD;
- Rodolfo J. Cepero, MD; and
- Arthur E. Pitchenik, MD
Excerpt
Amylase levels elevated in pleural effusions are found in three categories. First, the commonest category is pancreatitis with or without pseudocyst formation or a direct pancreatic-pleural fistula. Second, and uncommonly, is rupture of the esophagus, usually recognized by a distinct clinical picture. Third, malignant effusion may have elevated amylase levels (1-13). We report the case of a patient in whom extremely high amylase levels in pleural effusion contributed to diagnosis of a lung neoplasm. We also review 33 additional reports in the literature.
Case Report A 67-year-old previously healthy man was hospitalized because of left chest pain and increasing dyspnea
This 100-word excerpt has been provided in the absence of an abstract.
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments: The authors thank Drs. Kunhardt and Clark for reviewing the pathologic specimens, and Dr. Baum for his assistance in managing the patient.
Article and Author Information
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From the Veterans Administration Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida. For current author addresses, see end of text.
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Request for Reprints: Mordechai R. Kramer, MD, Pulmonary Division, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33140.
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Current Author Addresses: Dr. Kramer: Pulmonary Division, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140.
Dr. Saldana: Pathology Department, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136.
Dr. Cepero: Department of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, FL 33136.
Dr. Pitchenik: Pulmonary Division, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125.
