Atypical pleural tuberculosis presenting as an isolated pleural tuberculoma

Abstract

Pleural tuberculosis is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, and is generally characterized by an effusion. The effusion is usually unilateral and residual pleural thickening or calcification is also observed in some cases. Manifestations of multiple pleural tuberculomas without associated effusion and history of tuberculosis or antituberculous therapy are rare and an isolated pleural tuberculoma is exceedingly rare. Herein, we report the first documented case of an isolated pleural tuberculoma, diagnosed by chest CT and pathological findings. Although rare, an isolated pleural tuberculoma should be added to the differential diagnosis of focal nodular pleural tumors, particularly in areas of high tuberculosis prevalence.