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Accidental Detection of Tuberculous Empyema at Health Check-Up.

Authors :
Hong Q. Ren
Qian Zhao
Jiao Jiang
Wen Yang
Sun, Si Y.
Ling Zhang
Yao, Xue X.
Ge, Yan L.
Source :
Clinical Laboratory; 2024, Vol. 70 Issue 1, p203-207, 5p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: Patients with tuberculous empyema (TE) can have a serious impact on lung function as their disease progresses, and, if left untreated, can cause damage to other parts of the body such as the thorax and spine, causing pain and inconvenience to the patient. Early diagnosis and the search for appropriate treatment are key to improving the survival rate of the disease. Methods: We report a case of a young patient with an unexpected finding of right pleural effusion on physical examination, who was eventually diagnosed with TE using next-generation sequencing of pleural tissue. We analyzed the literature to improve clinicians' understanding of TE and how to properly diagnose and treat the disease. Results: Laboratory results of the pleural effusion suggested a possible Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, but pathogen-related tests were negative, and the diagnosis was eventually successfully confirmed by thoracoscopic pleural biopsy. Conclusions: The diagnosis of TE should be considered in young patients with pleural thickening of the empyema. Adenosine deaminase may provide diagnostic direction in patients with unexplained thorax abscess. Pleural biopsy, although an invasive procedure, is an essential diagnostic tool in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14336510
Volume :
70
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Clinical Laboratory
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
174773965
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.7754/Clin.Lab.2023.230727