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High amylase content of neoplastic pleural and pericardial effusion probably secondary to amylase producing tumor cells: Report of 2 cases

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Summary

We report two cases of malignant pleural and pericardial effusion respectively secondary to bronchogenic carcinomas. In both effusions, a significant elevation of the Salivary-type-amylase fraction was found, while the corresponding values were normal in serum and urine. Electronmicroscopy of the malignant tumor cells from the pleural effusion showed typical electron-dense granules, suggesting zymogen granules. It is concluded that the high amylase content of the effusions was due to secretion of S-type-isoamylase by the tumor cells.

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Satz, N., Münch, R., Kuhlmann, U. et al. High amylase content of neoplastic pleural and pericardial effusion probably secondary to amylase producing tumor cells: Report of 2 cases. Klin Wochenschr 61, 91–94 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01496660

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01496660

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