Is tuberculous pleural effusion a form of pulmonary tuberculosis?
Oct 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in pleural effusion does not necessarily indicate pulmonary tuberculosis. The detection of tuberculosis bacteria in a patient's pleural fluid may be associated with factors such as trauma, pleuritis, pneumonia, acute heart failure, or constrictive pericarditis. Patients are advised to undergo symptomatic treatment as directed by their physician. Additionally, this condition may also be related to other factors such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease or lung cancer.
In general, the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in pleural effusion does not necessarily indicate pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of tuberculosis bacteria in a patient's pleural fluid may be related to factors such as trauma, pleuritis, pneumonia, acute heart failure, or constrictive pericarditis. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Trauma
Trauma may lead to hemorrhagic pleural effusion containing tuberculosis bacteria and could also cause symptoms such as hemorrhagic shock. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets or amoxicillin capsules.
2. Pleuritis
Pleuritis is inflammation of the pleura caused by viral or bacterial irritation. When viruses or bacteria invade the pleura, inflammatory exudation occurs, potentially leading to pleural effusion with tuberculosis bacteria. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as metronidazole tablets or ethambutol hydrochloride tablets.
3. Pneumonia
In pneumonia, pathogens invade the visceral pleura on the surface of the affected lung tissue, causing pleural congestion, edema, and exudation. This impairs lymphatic absorption of pleural fluid, resulting in increased production and decreased absorption, which may lead to pleural effusion containing tuberculosis bacteria. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as salbutamol sulfate tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules.
4. Acute Heart Failure
Acute heart failure increases vascular permeability, allowing fluid from blood vessels to leak into the pleural cavity, forming effusion that may contain tuberculosis bacteria. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as furosemide tablets or torasemide capsules.
5. Constrictive Pericarditis
Constrictive pericarditis is caused by fibrosis or calcification of the pericardium, severely restricting cardiac filling during diastole, including atrial and ventricular filling. This leads to congestion in both pulmonary and systemic circulation, so patients with constrictive pericarditis may also develop pleural effusion containing tuberculosis bacteria. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or colchicine tablets.
In addition, it may also be associated with conditions such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease or lung cancer. If patients experience any discomfort, they are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
