pattern of pleural effusion in Southern Iraq

The causes of pleural effusions in 394 patients were determined [between December 1984 and November 1987] by physical examination and investigations. Tuberculous [38%], cancerous [20%] and bacterial [20%] effusions were found to be the most common causes. The cause of effusion was not found in 44 patients. Tuberculous effusion was diagnosed by character and culture of the pleural fluid and pleural biopsy, cancerous effusion was diagnosed by cytological examination of pleural fluid and biopsy of the pleura, lung and lymph nodes. Empyema was found to be caused by gram positive and gram negative cocci and a few anaerobes