DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i08.012

Pages: 2790-2793

Collection of fluid in pleural cavity has varied etiological factors. It constitutes one of the major causes of morbidity in India as well in other parts of world. Because of the various etiologies that can cause pleural effusion, it often present a diagnostic problem, even after extensive investigations. The initial step is the distinction between transudates and exudates as this gives an indication of pathophysiological mechanisms, differential diagnosis and the need for further investigation. The present study was carried out in the Dept. of TB And Chest, P.D.U. Medical College, Rajkot from July 2013 to June 2015. All patients underwent detailed clinical examination and routine laboratory examination, A plain chest X ray PA view. Additional films and ultrasound, CT scan was done whenever indicated. Pleural fluid analysis was done for protein, sugar, total cell count, differential cell count, Gram’s stain, ZN stain, Culture and sensitivity and ADA. Diagnosis was made on clinical examination, radiological examination and analysis of laboratory data. Tuberculosis is the most common cause (66%) of pleural effusion followed by malignancy (18%) and parapneumonic Effusion (10%). Smoking habit was present in 33.33% of patients of tuberculosis effusion and 88.89% of malignant effusion. 50% of the patients had moderate pleural effusion and 30% had mild while 20% had large pleural effusion. In this study an attempt has made to arrive at the etiological diagnosis by analysis of history, clinical presentation, and biochemical, radiological, cytological, and bacteriological methods.