A comparative diagnostic yield among cytologic examination, cell block and closed pleural biopsy in exudative pleural effusion.

Background: Cytology, cell block, and closed pleural biopsy are the initial investigations for exudative pleural effusion. However, the study of the diagnostic yield of the combination of methods is limited. The objective is to compare the diagnostic yield of cytology, cell block, and closed pleural biopsy with that of cytology and cell block.