A Case Report on Pleural Effusion Induced by Pulmonary Tuberculosis Reactivation

Tuberculosis is the major health problem in the developing countries and is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Pleural Effusions are accumulation of fluid in the pleural space and is one of the manifestations of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Pulmonary tuberculosis induced pleural effusions are one of the forms of reactivated diseaseby the T-helper type 1 (Th1) cells. Sometimes pleural effusions are also reported in patients who are taking drugs like Bromocriptine, Ergotamine and also exposure to Asbestos. Case Presentation: In this case report we present a case of 78 years old man who admitted in the hospital with complaints of left sided chest pain, shortness of breath and cough associated sputum with fever and had a past medical history of known case of pulmonary tuberculosis and used the anti-tubercular therapy five months back and discontinued the therapy by last one month. Patient had a history of use of Ergotamine tablets for his recurrent headaches as OTC medication. After clear examination this was confirmed as reactivated pulmonary tuberculosis with pleural effusion. Conclusion: The patient condition was improved after usage of medications for symptomatic use and continued with anti-tubercular therapy.