TY - JOUR T1 - The case for performing pleural biopsies for the aetiological diagnosis of exudates. Yes JO - Revista Clínica Española (English Edition) T2 - AU - Rodriguez-Panadero,F. SN - 22548874 M3 - 10.1016/j.rceng.2017.02.007 DO - 10.1016/j.rceng.2017.02.007 UR - https://revclinesp.es/en-the-case-for-performing-pleural-articulo-S2254887417300528 AB - Pleural biopsies are especially indicated in the following circumstances: (a) inconclusive pleural fluid analysis and negative sputum study, if adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels are unavailable; (b) suspected multi-resistant tuberculosis; (c) a need for differentiating tuberculous pleurisy (if it progresses with neutrophilia) and complicated parapneumonic effusion; (d) malignant pleural effusion coexisting with very high ADA levels; (e) effusion coexisting with lung cancer and negative pleural cytology; (f) suspected mesothelioma; and (g) need for implementing re-treatment for patients with relapse after chemotherapy. Image-guided needle biopsy is recommended for cases a and b, while thoracoscopy is preferable for the other cases. ER -