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[Tuberculous pleural effusion: clinical and laboratory evaluation]
E C Follador1, M Pimentel, C S Barbas
1Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo.
Revista Do Hospital Das Clinicas
|July 1, 1991
Summary
This study on pleural tuberculosis in 44 patients found fever and chest pain were common symptoms. Diagnosis relied on pleural biopsies, with effective treatment leading to good patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Context:
- Pleural tuberculosis (TB) is a significant extrapulmonary manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of pleural TB is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.
- Understanding the clinical, radiological, and microbiological features aids in differentiating pleural TB from other causes of pleural effusion.
Purpose:
- To present clinical data from 44 patients diagnosed with pleural tuberculosis.
- To analyze the diagnostic yield of pleural biopsies and fluid analysis.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes and the incidence of residual pleural thickening.
Summary:
- The study involved 44 patients with pleural TB, with common symptoms including fever, chest pain, and weight loss.
- Pleural effusions were predominantly unilateral. Pleural biopsies showed a 75% positive culture yield, while pleural fluid cultures were positive in 22.5%.
- Pleural fluid was exudative, characterized by lymphocytic predominance and low mesothelial cells. Treatment resulted in significant clinical improvement, though 23 patients developed residual pleural thickening.
Impact:
- Highlights the diagnostic utility of pleural biopsy cultures in pleural tuberculosis.
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of standard treatment regimens for pleural TB, leading to favorable clinical responses.
- Provides insights into the long-term sequelae, such as pleural thickening, following treatment for pleural TB.