[The diagnostic value of thoracoscopic examinations in tuberculous pleurisy].

We evaluated the diagnostic value of thoracoscopic examinations in eleven patients who had pleural effusion and were diagnosed as tuberculous pleurisy. The characteristic white or yellowish-white micronodules were observed by thoracoscopy in eight patients and all their biopsied tissue were compatible with tuberculosis. We had some cases which were not determined as tuberculous pleurisy from bacteriological examinations and were determined only from the thoracoscopic findings.