Thoracic complications of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a disease that has plagued humankind for centuries. In spite of excellent antituberculous chemotherapy, a number of important complications of tuberculosis are still commonly seen. Some of these are caused by the disease, and others are the sequelae of therapy. Thus some are seen immediately, and others occur months or even years after the onset of disease. These complications may involve the lungs, mediastinum, pleura, chest wall, or any combination of these structures. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the many complications of thoracic tuberculosis.