Haemorrhagic pleural effusion in Nigerians.

Experience with haemorrhagic pleural effusion in Nigerians is described. Sixty three cases selected from 283 cases of pleural effusion over a 15-year period were analysed. Haemorrhagic pleural effusion accounted for 22% of all cases of pleural effusion. Malignant cells were found in haemorrhagic fluid in 21% of cases. The commonest cause of haemorrhagic effusion was neoplasm followed by tuberculosis and trauma. Among neoplasms carcinoma of the bronchus was responsable for about half of such cases.