Clinical and pathological features of tuberculous pleural effusion and its long-term consequences.
A retrospective study of 83 cases of tuberculous pleural effusion showed that the mean age of the patients was 44 years and 10 patients (12%) were over the age of 70. Pleural fluid was smear positive for tubercle bacilli in none but culture positive in 23% of the cases. Pleural biopsy was a more sensitive method of diagnosis with granulomatous inflammation seen in 97% of cases. Five patients developed significant pleural thickening during chemotherapy requiring decortication. Twenty-two patients with tuberculous effusion diagnosed and treated over 2 years previously were traced for reassessment. None of them had significant pleural thickening and lung function tests did not show significant impairment compared to matched control subjects.
Chan
C H
CH
Department of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Arnold
M
M
Chan
C Y
CY
Mak
T W
TW
Hoheisel
G B
GB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000473:pathology; D014396:Tuberculosis, Pleural / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy