OBJECTIVES: Among infectious diseases, tuberculosis is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Since 2000, Brazil is one of twenty two countries classified as “high burden countries” by World Health Organization. This study aims to report epidemiological and economic profile of tuberculosis related hospitalizations in Brazil. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of Brazilian public hospital admissions for tuberculosis was developed according to ICD-10 classification (A15-A19) as reported in Brazilian Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) database, from January 2008 to December 2011.  Epidemiological data were extracted from public reporting system. Costs represent federal reimbursement values for hospitalizations (medical procedures, exams, drugs and fees) estimated in 2013 Brazilian Real (BRL). RESULTS: Reported tuberculosis cases and prevalence rates per 100,000 inhabitants for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were: 85,329 (45.0); 88,800 (46.4); 86,654 (44.8); and 89,759 (46.0), respectively. Hospitalizations in the same period were 18,216, 15,338, 16,153, and 19,048, leading to a hospitalization rates of 21.35%, 17.27%, 18.64%, and 21.22% with mean length of stay varying from 15 to 17 days. Mortality rates showed stability, varying from 2.95% to 3.49% for overall tuberculosis related deaths, and 6.19% to 8.14% for in-hospital mortality. About 40% of all deaths were related to hospitalized patients. From 2008 to 2011, hospitalizations costs were 19,546,160BRL, 21,791,027BRL, 23,889,130BRL and 29,410,353BRL, respectively, with an increase in cost per patient over the years (1,073BRL in 2008 to 1,544BRL in 2011). Total cost for the period represents 3.5% of all hospitalizations costs related to infectious diseases (ICD-10 chapter I). Geographic distribution indicated southeast region accounting for 45% of cases, 38% of hospital admissions, and 47% of costs. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis is a major public health issue, with great impact on patients' health and growing hospitalization related costs for the Brazilian healthcare system. Southern region concentrates most cases and costs, probably due to the presence of important treatment and diagnoses centers.