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Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:1967-1968.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

TUBERCULOUS PLEURITIS continues to occur throughout the world. Indeed, in many countries, including Spain¹ and many African countries, tuberculosis is the leading cause of pleural effusions. Even in the United States, tuberculosis is responsible for a significant percentage of pleural effusions. When a patient with an exudative pleural effusion is evaluated, it is important to rule out the diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis. If a patient with tuberculous pleuritis is not treated, the pleural effusion will usually resolve spontaneously. The patient, however, has a high likelihood (approximately 65%) of developing pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis within the subsequent 5 years.²

How is the diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis best made? For the past 40 years, the most common way to establish the diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis has been via needle biopsy of the pleura. However, in recent years, 3 tests that can be performed on pleural fluid have been developed that are useful . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Richard W. Light, MD
Saint Thomas Hospital
Vanderbilt University
Department of Pulmonary Diseases
4220 Harding Rd
Nashville, TN 37202

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