Pleural tuberculosis: epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary aspects

Pleural tuberculosis is one of the most frequent extra-pulmonary tuberculoses. Its incidence has been rising steadily in recent years. However, this form of tuberculosis has received little attention in the literature. The aim of our study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary profile of pleural tuberculosis.We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 50 patients presenting with pleural tuberculosis who were diagnosed and followed up in the Pneumology Department at Mohamed Taher Maamouri Hospital, Nabeul.The mean age of our population was 40.4 years. Complaints were dominated by respiratory symptoms. Chest radiography revealed pleural opacity in all cases. The diagnosis was established by the presence of acid-fast bacilli on direct examination of pleural fluid in only one patient. For the remaining 49 cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by pleural biopsy. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was completed for 47 patients, resulting in cure in all cases. Radiological sequelae were noted in 16 patients.