Abstract
Twenty six cases of tuberculous empyema were autopsied and examined macroscopically and histologically.
1. In most of them, complications, which were considered as cause of their deaths, were found, while in 2 cases, empyema of mixed infection with staphylococci was presumed to be the cause of death.
2. The 26 cases were macroscopically classified into the following 5 types : (a) In the pleural cavity, fluid pus existed. (b) Inner pleural walls were dry and without purulent matters and fibrous, caseous and dry substances adhered to them, and so-called dead space remained.
(c) Pleural cavity was filled with caseous matters and no dead space existed. (d) Contents were glue-like substances. (e) Decortication.
Classifying all the cases into these 5 types, the author discussed the development and fate of empyema.
3. Histologically, they were classified into 3 types, types A, B and C. Type A was cases with findings of relatively fresh inflammation. Type C was those with thickened and hardened pleura. Type B was intermediate ones. The relative severeness and period of inflammation and histological changes of both pleura were noted.
4. The relation between the macroscopical and the histological findings was also referred.
