This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of confocal laser endomicroscopy and ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy in diagnosing patients with unknown pleural effusion.
Adult patients with exudative pleural effusion of unknown origin
Patients with negative pleural fluid cytology results
Patients diagnosed with a probable malignant pleural effusion but without a definite diagnosis and requiring further pathological evaluation
Patients who are fully informed of the purpose and method of the study, agree to participate in the study, and sign an informed consent form
Inability or refusal to undergo UGBx
Patients with any contraindications for pleural biopsy