Diagnostic yield of lymphocyte rich exudative pleural effusion

Objective: To determine the diagnostic yield of lymphocytic rich Pleural effusion in patients with pleural exudates. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration: This study was carried out in the Medicine department of Saidu hospital from Jan 2011 to December 2012. Subject and Methods: Fifty (50) patients with pleural exudates were included. Effusions were classified as transudates or exudates on the basis of Light's criteria. Exudates were further classified as lymphocyte rich or non lymphocyte rich. Lymphocyte rich effusion is one in which (60 %) or more than (60 %) of the cells are lymphocytes. Results: (80 %) of the pleural effusions were lymphocyte rich and (95 %) of these effusions were Tuberculous. On the other hand (20 %) of the Exudates were non lymphocyte rich and only (5 %) of these exudates were tuberculous. The p value was 0.000((χ² =28.1, df=1). Conclusion: We conclude that tuberculosis is the commonest cause of lymphocyte rich pleural exudates.