In recent observational studies show that ultrasound guidance generally increases the success of pleural needle biopsies, it has been shown that the diagnostic success of needle biopsies is compromised and increased when the presence of pleural fluid is associated with a pleural lesion or pleural thickening or pleural nodular lesions. There is no evidence to support a common view on which needle is appropriate in which situation in terms of diagnostic success, reliability of benign diagnoses, and safety of side effects. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the diagnostic yield of the Abrams biopsy needle and the cutting biopsy needle in US-guided pleural needle biopsy to determine which needle is appropriate in which situation. As a result of the study, the diagnostic yield of the cutting needle was found to be higher in cases with pleural thickening of 1 cm or more, and the diagnostic yield of the Abrams needle was found to be higher in patients with pleural thickening of less than 1 cm.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Evidence of exudative pleural effusion for which a specific diagnosis could not be established by clinical, radiological, laboratory, and cytological examination
* Patients who do not have a high risk of side effects or contraindications for the procedures in question (without bleeding diathesis, who can be positioned appropriately for the biopsy procedure)
* Willingness to participate in the study
* Willingness to undergo an invasive procedure
* Willingness to undergo written consent for randomization and participation in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of parapneumonic effusion
* Patients with consciousness problems
* Any contraindication to pleural biopsy (patients with pathology in the chest wall biopsy site (infection) that would preclude biopsy, patients who are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiaggregants) and cannot be interrupted for the procedure to be performed or can be interrupted by bridging with another blood thinner.)
* Any other systemic disease that could interfere with thoracic computed tomography or ultrasonography assessment.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.