Pediatric Tubercular Empyema Thoracis: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Empyema thoracis is defined as the collection of pus in the pleural cavity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis as an etiological agent accounts for only 2% of the tuberculous pleurisy cases. History of contact and absence of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin(BCG) vaccination scar are usually seen. We are hereby reporting, a 4 year old male child with left sided tuberculous empyema who had been adequately immunized. There was no history of tuberculosis in the family, past infection or contact with an adult case.Our case was managed conservatively with a favourable outcome.