Tuberculous pleural effusion
Illustrations
Definition
Return to top
Tuberculous (TB) pleural infusion is a fluid accumulation in the space between the lining of the lung and the lung tissue (pleural space), caused by a severe, usually prolonged infection with tuberculosis. As the number of patients with HIV and AIDS increases, this condition is occurring more often. See tuberculosis and pleural effusion for the main points on treatment.
Exams and Tests
Return to top
Fluid can be “tapped” from the pleural space, but the fluid is not often positivef or the TB organism under the microscope or in culture . The best way to make the diagnosis is to get a piece of the pleural tissue by biopsy, which is more likely to yield the organism through a culture or thrrough staining. In staining, a special dye is added to a sample. The dye is taken up by the organism, which then appears colored under a microscope.
Update Date:
5/26/2006
Updated by:
Monica Gandhi MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
