Tuberculosis was the commonest cause of pleural effusion (78 (70.9%) even though etiologic diagnosis was difficult followed by parapneumonic effusion 36 (32.7%) and TB empyema 27 (24.5%). A thorough laboratory tests and X-ray examination in two position will be interpreted in conjunction with the physicians clinical acumen. It has a high diagnostic yield in detection of pleural effusion origin in phthisiatrician practice
