As such, pleurisy itself is not contagious, but some of its possible underlying conditions, such as tuberculosis, can be very contagious. In addition to being caused by illness, pleurisy can also develop after a chest injury or heart surgery. Sometimes its cause is unknown.s such, pleurisy itself is not contagious, but some of its possible underlying conditions, such as tuberculosis, can be very contagious. In addition to being caused by illness, pleurisy can also develop after a chest injury or heart surgery. Sometimes its cause is unknown.