Abstract: Objective The characteristics of tuberculous pleurisy in elderly patients were concluded in order to inducemisdiagnosis and evaluate the treatment methods. Methods 85 cases oftuberculous pleurisyin elderly patientsfrom Jan .1995to June 1998 in our hospital were reviewed and analyzed . Results Atypicalsymptoms :no chest pain (69.4 % ) ,no chest de press (65.8 % ) ,no fever (56.5 % ) ； more associated diseases ； Chest C Texamination and pleural biopsy could assistin diagno sis . Conclusion Master the characteristics oftuberculous pleurisy in elderly patients,emphasis must be put on early diagnosisand C Texamination or pleural biopsy wassuggested forthose patients with different diagnosis,reducing misdiagnosis,and reg ular therapy receiving good results of treatment .

Key words: Tuberculosis, pleural, Elderly