title: [Tuberculous pneumothorax. Retrospective study of 23 cases in Tunisia].
abstract: The tubercular pneumothorax is a rare and severe form of tuberculosis which persists in Tunisia. We reviewed retrospectively our experience at the Pneumology-Allergology Department of the Sousse Hospital with 23 cases of tubercular pneumothorax observed between 1985 and 2003. The suggestive symptom, pneumothorax, always occurred within a context poor general health and fever. The chest roentgengraph showed pneumothorax (n=8) or hydropneumothorax (n=15), and pulmonary lesions associated in 82.5% of patients. Bacteriological proof was obtained in 21 cases; in the two other patients, histological examination of the surgical specimen was highly suggestive of tuberculosis. Treatment associated antitubercular chemotherapy in compliance with the National Plan of against Tuberculosis (n=23), chest drainage (n=21) and respiratory physiotherapy (n=18). Five patients underwent surgery: pleural decortications (n=3), pulmonary resections (n=2). Two were lost to follow-up. The course was favourable in 78% of patients; there were two cases of partitioned pyopneumothorax and one post-operative death. In our experience, tubercular pneumothorax was always associated with active cavitated tuberculosis. The course was almost favorable with antitubercular chemotherapy and chest drainage.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Farhat-Hached, 4000 Sousse, Tunisie. mezghanisonia@yahoo.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mezghani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abdelghani
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Njima
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hayouni
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garrouche
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Klabi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Benzarti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jerray
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D014416:Tunisia