The low detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical practice leads to a high rate of missed diagnosis for pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).As a noninvasive,high-resolution,real-time imaging technology,polariza...The low detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical practice leads to a high rate of missed diagnosis for pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).As a noninvasive,high-resolution,real-time imaging technology,polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography(PS-OCT)may be feasible for the rapid identification of pathological feature.This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using PS-OCT to identify pathological features of PTB.In the experiments,PTB samples containing some surrounding lung tissues were imaged using PS-OCT.It is demonstrated that PS-OCT images showed good consistency with the corresponding pathological images and were able to identify PTB-related characteristic pathological regions.We think PS-OCT can serve as an effective supplement for the diagnosis of PTB,enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis,and aiding in the understanding of the pathological characteristics and pathophysiological processes of PTB.展开更多
Objective: To explore the clinicpathologic features and MRI manifestations of the thoracic lumbar tuberculosis by underwenting MRI and pathological examinations. Methods: 34 cases of Thoracic lumbar tuberculosis were ...Objective: To explore the clinicpathologic features and MRI manifestations of the thoracic lumbar tuberculosis by underwenting MRI and pathological examinations. Methods: 34 cases of Thoracic lumbar tuberculosis were collected which underwent MRI examination and confirmed by pathology or treatment of anti-TB drugs, the clinical cure from June 2008 to June 2012 in our hospital. The first MRI was performed on all patients, to determine the MRI findings, and surgical treatment for pathological examination in order to determine the pathological features. Results: 34 patients with 81 vertebral involvement, in which two adjacent vertebral involvement is the common, accounting for 72.25%, vertebral showed uneven long T1, long T2 signal. Intervertebral disc abnormalities accounted for 90.17%, the performance showed long T1, long T2 signal changes in the intervertebral disc damage, often accompanied by disc space narrowing or disappear. Paraspinal abscess accounted for 90.67%, often more than vertebra, up and down across one or more vertebral bodies showed long T1, long T2 signal. The vertebrae were damaged kyphosis or (and) the posterior longitudinal ligament abscess caused by the dural sac and spinal column with pressure accounted for 74.72%. In enhanced scan, vertebrae, intervertebral discs showed heterogeneous enhancement, paraspinal abscess was curved or ring enhancement. The pathological diagnosis may be obvious to confirm the degree of swelling and lesions. Conclusion: By doing the MRI and pathologic examinations, it can determine the clinical and pathological features and MRI findings of spinal tuberculosis patients with Thoracic lumbar spinal tuberculosis, and lay a reliable foundation for the treatment of the subsequent treatment.展开更多
Introduction: Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Tuberculosis is one of the most frequent causes of exudative pleural effusions in immunocompetent patients. Tuberculosis is th...Introduction: Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Tuberculosis is one of the most frequent causes of exudative pleural effusions in immunocompetent patients. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality from an infectious disease in developing countries. Pakistan is ranked fifth in the world in terms of tuberculosis high-burden countries. Various pleural fluid parameters have been used to identify the cause of pleural effusion. It has been discovered that tuberculous pleural effusions had a greater alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration than transudative effusions. This study used pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase levels to distinguish between tuberculous pleural effusion and malignant pleural effusion because there is little information from tuberculosis-high burden nations like Pakistan. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center in Karachi between October 2016 and October 2017. Material and Methods: The study comprised all patients who were admitted to the department of chest medicine at Jinnah post graduate medical centre (JPMC) of either gender between the ages of 18 and 70 who had exudative lymphocytic pleural effusions lasting two weeks or more included in the study. Non probability consecutive sampling was used to collect data. Patients who have tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a history of hemoptysis, Bleeding disorders like, platelet function disorder, thrombocytopenia, Liver cirrhosis and Pregnant women were excluded. Parents’ informed consent was obtained after being informed of the study’s protocol, hazards, and advantages. Each patient had their level of pleural fluid alkaline phosphate (PALP) assessed. In order to evaluate the patient’s pleural effusion, a pre-made questionnaire was used. All the collected data were entered into the SPSS 20. An independent sample t-test was used to recognize alkaline phosphate levels association with pleural fluid secondary to tuberculosis or malignancy. Results: In this Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study, the total of 156 patients with age Mean ± SD of was 41.96 ± 17.05 years. The majority of patients 110 (70.5%) were male and 46 (29.5%) were female. Advanced age was associated with raised pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase. The difference of pleural fluid alkaline phosphate level between tuberculous v/s malignant group was found to be (38.03 ± 45.97) v/s (82.77 ± 61.80) respectively with P-value (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Malignant pleural effusions had elevated PALP when compared to tuberculous pleural effusions in exudative lymphocytic pleural effusions;better differences are seen in older ages and shorter disease durations.展开更多
BACKGROUND Solitary splenic tuberculosis(TB) is unusual and rarely reported.Whether splenic TB is best treated surgically is still controversial.We describe a 73-year-old man with solitary splenic TB and no extrapulmo...BACKGROUND Solitary splenic tuberculosis(TB) is unusual and rarely reported.Whether splenic TB is best treated surgically is still controversial.We describe a 73-year-old man with solitary splenic TB and no extrapulmonary TB.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 73-year-old man with solitary splenic TB who complained of emaciation and fatigue.Abdominal computed tomography(CT) images suggested a splenic space-occupying lesion.We then performed a CT-guided splenic biopsy.The postoperative pathological examination revealed splenic TB.The patient took quadruple anti-TB medication.After 1 year,the patient recovered his normal weight and had no feeling of fatigue,and the splenic lesion had shrunk significantly.CONCLUSION If patients receive combined,appropriate,regular,full-time anti-TB treatment,solitary splenic TB may be cured.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatic tuberculosis(TB)is uncommon clinically.Because of a lack of specific signs,characteristic symptoms and clinical manifestations and because pathological samples are difficult to obtain,hepatic TB is ...BACKGROUND Hepatic tuberculosis(TB)is uncommon clinically.Because of a lack of specific signs,characteristic symptoms and clinical manifestations and because pathological samples are difficult to obtain,hepatic TB is easily missed or misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old Chinese man presented with jaundice for 1 wk and no abnormal laboratory tests other than elevated bilirubin,aminotransferases and C-reactive protein.Computed tomography(CT)of the abdomen showed a mass in the left lobe of the liver and hepatic hilum with striped calcified foci.Mild enhancement was visible at the edges,along with extensive intrahepatic biliary ductal dilatation in the right lobe of the liver.In the arterial phase of both CT and magnetic resonance imaging,the main trunk and right branch of the portal artery were partially visualized.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)indicated that the left lobe of the liver and most of the bile ducts in the hilum were not visible.Pathological examination revealed coagulative necrosis,and granulomatous nodules were seen around areas of necrosis;therefore,TB was considered.CONCLUSION Hepatic tuberculosis is easily misdiagnosed or missed on imaging.Percutaneous puncture biopsy is the most useful tool for definitive diagnosis.展开更多
Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare but serious complication of tuberculosis. Miliary tuberculosis (MT) is a severe form of tuberculosis secondary to hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Obj...Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare but serious complication of tuberculosis. Miliary tuberculosis (MT) is a severe form of tuberculosis secondary to hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Objective: To report a case of MT complicated by pneumothorax. Methodology: This was a 25-year-old patient, farmer, followed up at the Pneumo-phtisiology department of the CHU du Point G for MT whose condition was improving after the introduction of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. He consulted again after experiencing chest pain. Clinical and imaging revealed a Spontaneous pneumothorax complicating MT. The treatment combined anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, chest drainage and respiratory physiotherapy. Outcome was favorable with improvement of clinical and radiological signs. Conclusion: Pneumothorax complicating MT requires a reflective diagnostic approach and rapid management to improve its prognosis.展开更多
Objective To investigate the effects of different cytokines (IL-22,IL-17,IFN-γ) on proliferation and apoptosis of human pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.Methods
Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of interferon gamma releasing assays(T-SPOT.TB)and adenosine deaminase(ADA)in pleural tuberculosis,and therefore to evaluate the value of T-SPOT.TB in a high tuberculosi...Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of interferon gamma releasing assays(T-SPOT.TB)and adenosine deaminase(ADA)in pleural tuberculosis,and therefore to evaluate the value of T-SPOT.TB in a high tuberculosis burden country.Methods From June 2011to November 2012,111 patients with pleural fluid in Beijing Chest Hospital,Capital Medical University展开更多
Objective To investigate the clinical,endoscopic and pathologic features in the differential diagnosis between Crohn’s disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) .Methods The complete clinical data of 107 patient...Objective To investigate the clinical,endoscopic and pathologic features in the differential diagnosis between Crohn’s disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) .Methods The complete clinical data of 107 patients with CD and 69 patients with ITB in our hospital from January 2011 to January 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.The diagnostic value of the clinical and endoscopic scoring system was evaluated.Results CD occurred mainly in male.The salient features of CD includ-展开更多
Background:Tuberculosis is a disease of great relevance since it is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is an unusual presentation.It is defined as the involvem...Background:Tuberculosis is a disease of great relevance since it is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is an unusual presentation.It is defined as the involvement of any segment of the digestive tract,associated viscera,and peritoneum.The study’s main objective is to collect information from autopsies of patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal tuberculosis in a Pathology reference center in Colombia.Methods:This is a retrospective and descriptive study of autopsy reports.A total of 4,500 autopsies were performed between January 2004 and December 2020.The inclusion criteria were authorization of a family member following local law regulations and a final autopsy diagnosis of gastrointestinal tuberculosis using microscopic visualization.Results:Forty-eight patients with gastrointestinal tuberculosis autopsies were included in our study.Most of the patients were male(n=35,72.9%)with a median age of 40.5 years old.Human immunodeficiency virus infection history was reported in 28 cases(58.33%).The most affected gastrointestinal tract site was the terminal ileum.Ulcers and thickened epithelium were common autopsies macroscopic findings.Tuberculosis multiorgan compromise was a relevant finding in patients with gastrointestinal tuberculosis.Conclusions:Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is a disease of great importance,being its diagnosis a clinical challenge.Underdiagnosis can be reported in a high percentage of cases,so autopsy diagnosis can help reveal more accurate data about this condition.展开更多
Objective To compare the immune responses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)-specific T lymphocy between the peripheral blood and pleural effusion in patients with tuberculous pleurisy.Methods Twelve initially treate...Objective To compare the immune responses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)-specific T lymphocy between the peripheral blood and pleural effusion in patients with tuberculous pleurisy.Methods Twelve initially treated cases of tuberculous pleurisy who were hospitalized in Wuxi No.5 People’s Hospital from Oct 2012 to Apr展开更多
Objective To study the CT characteristics of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer. Methods One hundred and four patients of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer proved by histology,cytology o...Objective To study the CT characteristics of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer. Methods One hundred and four patients of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer proved by histology,cytology or clinical underwent CT examination. All patients were divided into two groups。展开更多
Back ground: Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem with different causes. Objective: To demonstrate clinical features and outcome of pleural effusion. Methods: Prospective descriptive study was conducted invol...Back ground: Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem with different causes. Objective: To demonstrate clinical features and outcome of pleural effusion. Methods: Prospective descriptive study was conducted involving 110 patients with pleural effusion admitted to a resource limited hospital in Ethiopia. Results: Males and females were almost equally represented. Cough, fever and weight loss were prominent presenting symptoms accounting 90, 77.3 and 77.3 percent respectively. Right side effusion was the common presentation 50 (45.5%). Forty (37.4%) patients had HIV infection among 107 tested. Tuberculosis was the commonest cause 78 (70.9%) followed by parapneumonic effusion 36 (32.7%) and empyema 27 (24.5%). Malignant pleural effusion was detected only in one patient. Eighty one (73.6%) improved from their illness and 7 (6.4%) died. Lympocytic pleural effusion found to be associated with tuberculosis (OR = 3.942 (1.527 - 10.179), P = 0.005. There were no associations between HIV infection, anemia, elevated ESR and side of pleural effusion with tuberculosis. Conclusion: Tuberculosis was the leading cause of pleural effusion in our setup even though etiologic diagnosis was difficult. Strengthening the laboratory and pathology services in the area is strongly recommended.展开更多
基金funded by the Tianjin Foundation of Natural Science(No.21JCYBJC00260)Tianjin Key Medical Discipline(Thoracic Surgery)Construction Project No.TJYXZDXK-018A and the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62375144 and 61875092).
文摘The low detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical practice leads to a high rate of missed diagnosis for pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).As a noninvasive,high-resolution,real-time imaging technology,polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography(PS-OCT)may be feasible for the rapid identification of pathological feature.This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using PS-OCT to identify pathological features of PTB.In the experiments,PTB samples containing some surrounding lung tissues were imaged using PS-OCT.It is demonstrated that PS-OCT images showed good consistency with the corresponding pathological images and were able to identify PTB-related characteristic pathological regions.We think PS-OCT can serve as an effective supplement for the diagnosis of PTB,enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis,and aiding in the understanding of the pathological characteristics and pathophysiological processes of PTB.
文摘Objective: To explore the clinicpathologic features and MRI manifestations of the thoracic lumbar tuberculosis by underwenting MRI and pathological examinations. Methods: 34 cases of Thoracic lumbar tuberculosis were collected which underwent MRI examination and confirmed by pathology or treatment of anti-TB drugs, the clinical cure from June 2008 to June 2012 in our hospital. The first MRI was performed on all patients, to determine the MRI findings, and surgical treatment for pathological examination in order to determine the pathological features. Results: 34 patients with 81 vertebral involvement, in which two adjacent vertebral involvement is the common, accounting for 72.25%, vertebral showed uneven long T1, long T2 signal. Intervertebral disc abnormalities accounted for 90.17%, the performance showed long T1, long T2 signal changes in the intervertebral disc damage, often accompanied by disc space narrowing or disappear. Paraspinal abscess accounted for 90.67%, often more than vertebra, up and down across one or more vertebral bodies showed long T1, long T2 signal. The vertebrae were damaged kyphosis or (and) the posterior longitudinal ligament abscess caused by the dural sac and spinal column with pressure accounted for 74.72%. In enhanced scan, vertebrae, intervertebral discs showed heterogeneous enhancement, paraspinal abscess was curved or ring enhancement. The pathological diagnosis may be obvious to confirm the degree of swelling and lesions. Conclusion: By doing the MRI and pathologic examinations, it can determine the clinical and pathological features and MRI findings of spinal tuberculosis patients with Thoracic lumbar spinal tuberculosis, and lay a reliable foundation for the treatment of the subsequent treatment.
文摘Introduction: Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Tuberculosis is one of the most frequent causes of exudative pleural effusions in immunocompetent patients. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality from an infectious disease in developing countries. Pakistan is ranked fifth in the world in terms of tuberculosis high-burden countries. Various pleural fluid parameters have been used to identify the cause of pleural effusion. It has been discovered that tuberculous pleural effusions had a greater alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration than transudative effusions. This study used pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase levels to distinguish between tuberculous pleural effusion and malignant pleural effusion because there is little information from tuberculosis-high burden nations like Pakistan. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center in Karachi between October 2016 and October 2017. Material and Methods: The study comprised all patients who were admitted to the department of chest medicine at Jinnah post graduate medical centre (JPMC) of either gender between the ages of 18 and 70 who had exudative lymphocytic pleural effusions lasting two weeks or more included in the study. Non probability consecutive sampling was used to collect data. Patients who have tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a history of hemoptysis, Bleeding disorders like, platelet function disorder, thrombocytopenia, Liver cirrhosis and Pregnant women were excluded. Parents’ informed consent was obtained after being informed of the study’s protocol, hazards, and advantages. Each patient had their level of pleural fluid alkaline phosphate (PALP) assessed. In order to evaluate the patient’s pleural effusion, a pre-made questionnaire was used. All the collected data were entered into the SPSS 20. An independent sample t-test was used to recognize alkaline phosphate levels association with pleural fluid secondary to tuberculosis or malignancy. Results: In this Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study, the total of 156 patients with age Mean ± SD of was 41.96 ± 17.05 years. The majority of patients 110 (70.5%) were male and 46 (29.5%) were female. Advanced age was associated with raised pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase. The difference of pleural fluid alkaline phosphate level between tuberculous v/s malignant group was found to be (38.03 ± 45.97) v/s (82.77 ± 61.80) respectively with P-value (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Malignant pleural effusions had elevated PALP when compared to tuberculous pleural effusions in exudative lymphocytic pleural effusions;better differences are seen in older ages and shorter disease durations.
文摘BACKGROUND Solitary splenic tuberculosis(TB) is unusual and rarely reported.Whether splenic TB is best treated surgically is still controversial.We describe a 73-year-old man with solitary splenic TB and no extrapulmonary TB.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 73-year-old man with solitary splenic TB who complained of emaciation and fatigue.Abdominal computed tomography(CT) images suggested a splenic space-occupying lesion.We then performed a CT-guided splenic biopsy.The postoperative pathological examination revealed splenic TB.The patient took quadruple anti-TB medication.After 1 year,the patient recovered his normal weight and had no feeling of fatigue,and the splenic lesion had shrunk significantly.CONCLUSION If patients receive combined,appropriate,regular,full-time anti-TB treatment,solitary splenic TB may be cured.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatic tuberculosis(TB)is uncommon clinically.Because of a lack of specific signs,characteristic symptoms and clinical manifestations and because pathological samples are difficult to obtain,hepatic TB is easily missed or misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old Chinese man presented with jaundice for 1 wk and no abnormal laboratory tests other than elevated bilirubin,aminotransferases and C-reactive protein.Computed tomography(CT)of the abdomen showed a mass in the left lobe of the liver and hepatic hilum with striped calcified foci.Mild enhancement was visible at the edges,along with extensive intrahepatic biliary ductal dilatation in the right lobe of the liver.In the arterial phase of both CT and magnetic resonance imaging,the main trunk and right branch of the portal artery were partially visualized.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)indicated that the left lobe of the liver and most of the bile ducts in the hilum were not visible.Pathological examination revealed coagulative necrosis,and granulomatous nodules were seen around areas of necrosis;therefore,TB was considered.CONCLUSION Hepatic tuberculosis is easily misdiagnosed or missed on imaging.Percutaneous puncture biopsy is the most useful tool for definitive diagnosis.
文摘Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare but serious complication of tuberculosis. Miliary tuberculosis (MT) is a severe form of tuberculosis secondary to hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Objective: To report a case of MT complicated by pneumothorax. Methodology: This was a 25-year-old patient, farmer, followed up at the Pneumo-phtisiology department of the CHU du Point G for MT whose condition was improving after the introduction of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. He consulted again after experiencing chest pain. Clinical and imaging revealed a Spontaneous pneumothorax complicating MT. The treatment combined anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, chest drainage and respiratory physiotherapy. Outcome was favorable with improvement of clinical and radiological signs. Conclusion: Pneumothorax complicating MT requires a reflective diagnostic approach and rapid management to improve its prognosis.
文摘Objective To investigate the effects of different cytokines (IL-22,IL-17,IFN-γ) on proliferation and apoptosis of human pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.Methods
文摘Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of interferon gamma releasing assays(T-SPOT.TB)and adenosine deaminase(ADA)in pleural tuberculosis,and therefore to evaluate the value of T-SPOT.TB in a high tuberculosis burden country.Methods From June 2011to November 2012,111 patients with pleural fluid in Beijing Chest Hospital,Capital Medical University
文摘Objective To investigate the clinical,endoscopic and pathologic features in the differential diagnosis between Crohn’s disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) .Methods The complete clinical data of 107 patients with CD and 69 patients with ITB in our hospital from January 2011 to January 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.The diagnostic value of the clinical and endoscopic scoring system was evaluated.Results CD occurred mainly in male.The salient features of CD includ-
文摘Background:Tuberculosis is a disease of great relevance since it is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is an unusual presentation.It is defined as the involvement of any segment of the digestive tract,associated viscera,and peritoneum.The study’s main objective is to collect information from autopsies of patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal tuberculosis in a Pathology reference center in Colombia.Methods:This is a retrospective and descriptive study of autopsy reports.A total of 4,500 autopsies were performed between January 2004 and December 2020.The inclusion criteria were authorization of a family member following local law regulations and a final autopsy diagnosis of gastrointestinal tuberculosis using microscopic visualization.Results:Forty-eight patients with gastrointestinal tuberculosis autopsies were included in our study.Most of the patients were male(n=35,72.9%)with a median age of 40.5 years old.Human immunodeficiency virus infection history was reported in 28 cases(58.33%).The most affected gastrointestinal tract site was the terminal ileum.Ulcers and thickened epithelium were common autopsies macroscopic findings.Tuberculosis multiorgan compromise was a relevant finding in patients with gastrointestinal tuberculosis.Conclusions:Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is a disease of great importance,being its diagnosis a clinical challenge.Underdiagnosis can be reported in a high percentage of cases,so autopsy diagnosis can help reveal more accurate data about this condition.
文摘Objective To compare the immune responses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)-specific T lymphocy between the peripheral blood and pleural effusion in patients with tuberculous pleurisy.Methods Twelve initially treated cases of tuberculous pleurisy who were hospitalized in Wuxi No.5 People’s Hospital from Oct 2012 to Apr
文摘Objective To study the CT characteristics of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer. Methods One hundred and four patients of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer proved by histology,cytology or clinical underwent CT examination. All patients were divided into two groups。
文摘Back ground: Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem with different causes. Objective: To demonstrate clinical features and outcome of pleural effusion. Methods: Prospective descriptive study was conducted involving 110 patients with pleural effusion admitted to a resource limited hospital in Ethiopia. Results: Males and females were almost equally represented. Cough, fever and weight loss were prominent presenting symptoms accounting 90, 77.3 and 77.3 percent respectively. Right side effusion was the common presentation 50 (45.5%). Forty (37.4%) patients had HIV infection among 107 tested. Tuberculosis was the commonest cause 78 (70.9%) followed by parapneumonic effusion 36 (32.7%) and empyema 27 (24.5%). Malignant pleural effusion was detected only in one patient. Eighty one (73.6%) improved from their illness and 7 (6.4%) died. Lympocytic pleural effusion found to be associated with tuberculosis (OR = 3.942 (1.527 - 10.179), P = 0.005. There were no associations between HIV infection, anemia, elevated ESR and side of pleural effusion with tuberculosis. Conclusion: Tuberculosis was the leading cause of pleural effusion in our setup even though etiologic diagnosis was difficult. Strengthening the laboratory and pathology services in the area is strongly recommended.
