CEA levels are known to increase in heart failure and this marker has also been used to diagnose pleural effusions with malignant aetiologies.10 In many studies, a relationship has been found between high levels of CEA and pericardial effusions with malignant aetiologies.05,20,21 Szturmowicz et al. found CEA levels above 5 U/ml had a 90% specificity for the detection of malignancy.05 Similarly, in our study, the levels of CEA were significantly higher in patients with cancer. This evidence concerns the gene CEACAM5 and cancer.