From Non-Invasive to Invasive Diagnosis in Pleural Tuberculosis: Case Series and Literature Review

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) in Mexico is considered an endemic public health problem. Infection in adults is caused 95% of the time by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Although non-invasive diagnostic techniques are the first choice, the diagnostic yield of these techniques does not always allow definitive diagnosis, so sometimes, surgical biopsy is necessary. Objective: To describe two cases of pleural TB with a difficult diagnosis in which non-invasive diagnostic tests were inconclusive. Conclusion: In the presence of pleural or pulmonary nodules or tumors, we should consider TB as a differential diagnosis, as well as in those patients whose clinical suspicion is high and non-invasive methods have not been diagnostic. Therefore, the surgical approach is still an option for these patients.