Pleural effusion in a patient with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Abstract

The involvement of pleura in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is uncommon. In most reported cases the involvement of the pleura is presumed to be due to ABPA per se, due to the observed response to corticosteroids. We report a case of histopathologically proven tubercular pleural effusion in a patient with ABPA at the time of initial diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of intensive evaluation of an exudative pleural effusion in settings where pleural effusion due to the primary underlying disease is uncommon or rare.