Thoracic Oncology & Chest Imaging Network
Pleural Disease Section
After more than a decade, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) released updated guidelines for pleural disease (Roberts ME , et al. Thorax 2023; 78, s1-s42). Their focus includes spontaneous pneumothorax, undiagnosed unilateral pleural effusion, pleural infections, and malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Separate statements for pleural procedures (Asciak R et al. Thorax. 2023;78:s43-s68) and pleural mesothelioma (Woolhouse I et al. Thorax. 2018;73:i1-i30) are available.
Major highlights of the recommendations are as follows:
- Conservative management can be considered for minimally symptomatic primary spontaneous pneumothorax regardless of size. A multi-disciplinary approach and shared decision-making is vital, especially when deciding between needle aspiration, intercostal drainage or ambulatory devices. Special recommendations were for pregnancy, cystic fibrosis, catamenial, iatrogenic and familial.
- Undiagnosed unilateral pleural effusion. Besides pleural fluid studies, in those with unclear etiology, thoracoscopic or image-guided pleural biopsy is recommended.
- Pleural infection. Use of renal, age, purulence, infection source, dietary factors (RAPID) scoring may be considered for risk stratification. Drainage of the pleural space with catheter and intrapleural therapy with combination tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) and DNAse in residual pleural fluid should be considered. Medical thoracoscopy not supported due to lack of evidence.
- MPE. Definitive pleural intervention based on symptoms and shared decision making was supported. Modality may include talc slurry via chest tube, talc poudrage via thoracoscopy or talc instillation via indwelling pleural catheter. Intrapleural chemotherapy should not be routinely used for treatment of MPE.
These guidelines provide a comprehensive consensus to the literature and reinforce prior recommendations of other professional societies (Gilbert CR et al. Chest. 2020;158:2221-8. Miller RJ et al.; J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2020;27[4]:229-45. Feller-Kopman DJ et al.; Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;198:839-49).
Munish Sharma, MD
Hiren Mehta, MD, Section Member-at-Large
Philip Ong, MD, Section Member-at-Large