The value of computed tomography in discriminating malignant from non-malignant causes of unresolved unilateral pleural effusions: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT: The scientific background in expert-opinion papers for recommending Computed Tomography (CT) in unilateral pleural exudates is based on studies including patients with other findings than unilateral pleural effusions or selected patients undergoing thoracoscopy. Therefore, we performed a systematic review investigating the sensitivity of CT for predicting malignancy in patients with unilateral, non-transudative, pleural effusions. A search strategy was developed with the assistance of a medical information specialist at our university library. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and articles citing the included studies. No date restrictions were applied (the first included paper was published in 2001 (1)), and only literature in English was included.

SUBMITTER: Reuter S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8026111 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature