Drainage of multiloculated tuberculous pleural effusion by medical thoracoscopy: When and why should it be considered?

ABSTRACT

Tuberculous pleural effusion (TBE) is a common encounter in our region. Up to 50% of patients with TBE will develop residual pleural thickening (RPT) which can lead to functional impairment. However, the need of drainage remains controversial. We report a case of end-stage renal failure patient who presented with right multiloculated tuberculous pleural effusion which was drained via a medical thoracoscope. Patient reports immediate relief of breathlessness post procedure and one month follow up shown significant improvement of RPT. We also discussed the current perspective on the rationale of TBE drainage and the role of medical thoracoscope in TBE management.