Diagnostic tests for tuberculous pleural effusion

E. E. Mcgrath (1) , P. B. Anderson (1)

1 Department of Respiratory Medicine

The investigation of pleural effusion has been greatly assisted by advancements in pleural fluid analysis. In the case of tuberculous pleural effusion, diagnosis traditionally requires the demonstration of acid fast bacilli in the pleural space using microbiological or histological techniques. In recent years, there has been progress in pleural fluid analysis in suspected tuberculous effusions, with particular interest in adenosine deaminase and interferon-γ. These individual tests are quite sensitive and specific; however, data are sparse on the benefits that multiple-parameter testing may have when analysed in combination. We reviewed the literature to investigate the evidence for multiple-parameter testing, both biochemical and clinical, in the evaluation of tuberculous effusion.

Mots clés: Life Sciences

E. E. Mcgrath, P. B. Anderson. Diagnostic tests for tuberculous pleural effusion. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2010, 29 (10), pp.1187-1193. ⟨10.1007/s10096-010-0986-z⟩. ⟨hal-00600741⟩