Diagnostic Value of Serum and Pleural Effusion Cancer Antigen 125 in Tuberculosis Diagnosis of Non-Cancer Patients: An Evidence-Based Case Report

Tuberculosis can alter the permeability of the pleura and result in tuberculous pleural effusion. Clinical manifestation is similar to malignant pleural effusion making it challenging to distinguish. Tumor marker cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) level of pleural fluid could be an alternative in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion. We reported a case of a 41-year-old female with shortness of breath and a history of chronic kidney disease, acute decompensated heart failure, and community-acquired pneumonia. The patient underwent tuberculosis examination and yielded negative result, yet the serum CA-125 examination yielded positive result. A literature search was performed on electronic databases with appropriate search terms based on the established clinical question and a total of three cross-sectional studies were selected based on the eligibility criteria. CA-125 level of pleural fluid sample was found to have a good diagnostic value compared to the blood serum sample. However, further research is necessary to determine a proper cut-off value for a significant result.