[Pleural tuberculosis: analysis of 105 cases].
BACKGROUND
We present the results of a retrospective study with patients diagnosed of tuberculous pleuritis (TP) to offer a view and a perspective of this entity in our area.


METHODS
We reviewed 105 cases of TP according to age, tuberculous risk factors, clinical onset, tuberculin test, chest roentgenogram, pleural fluid analysis (ADA, LDH, glucose and proteins) and pleural biopsy, and the evolution or sequels of the pleural effusion after a specific treatment.


RESULTS
TP was a disease of younger patients (62% less than 30 years old) with tuberculous risk factors (34.3%), positive tuberculin test (81%) and an acute or subacute onset (88.5%). The pleural effusion was unilateral (98.1%), small-sized (61%), with pulmonary infiltrates in the 22.4%. All of the effusions were exudates with the exception of a transudative case. The levels of LDH, glucose and ADA were increased and the white cell counts below 6000/mm2, predominantly mononuclear. ADA was below 40 U/L in the 17% of cases. Pleural biopsy established the diagnosis in the 92.2% and the diagnosis was obtained in the 98.6% when we associated the analysis of ADA, pleural fluid and pleural biopsy. Specific treatment was accompanied with a good response.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings supported that TP maintained the predilection for younger patients with tuberculous risk factors. The clinical onset, radiographies, pleural fluid analysis and the utility of all diagnostic examinations were similar to other previous studies with the exception of few atypical cases. We confirmed a good prognosis with a correct treatment.
Haro
M
M
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona.
Ruiz-Manzano
J
J
Gallego
M
M
Abad
J
J
Manterola
J M
JM
Morera
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014396:Tuberculosis, Pleural / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy
Tuberculosis pleural: análisis de 105 casos.