The Prognostic Significance of Idiopathic Pleural Effusion

1)Idiopathic pleurisy with effusion in the tuberculin positive individual should be considered a manifestation of tuberculosis in every instance, despite negative cultures of the aspirated fluid, and offers a sign of valuable clinical significance to the physician. 2)The age group involved makes recognition of the tuberculous etiology an important tuberculosis control factor, with obvious social and economic implications for the group. 3)A high incidence of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis follows inadequately treated pleurisy with effusion, chiefly within the first two years following the effusion. 4)Sanatorium treatment, similar to that employed for minimal active tuberculosis, is strongly recommended in every case, with an observation period of at least five years following the effusion. 5)Control of the effusion by adequate aspiration is indicated to avoid pleural changes and subsequent impairment of pulmonary ventilatory function as an added complication.