Carcinoembryonic antigen titers on effusion fluid. A diagnostic tool?

Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was demonstrated in tumors and body fluids, suggesting that effusion fluid (EF) CEA titer might separate benign and malignant EF. Plasma and EF CEA titers were determined in 141 patients with benign (86) or malignant (55) EF. Although plasma CEA titers separated patients with benign or malignant EF 56% of the time, this separation was better accomplished (90% of the time) using EF CEA (P < .0001). Malignant EF was associated with an EF CEA titer .gtoreq. 10 ng/ml or when, in the range 5.0-9.9 ng/ml, the EF CEA titer was greater than twice the plasma CEA. Paired plasma and EF CEA titers may aid in determining the benign or malignant origin of EF.

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