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Imaging of pulmonary tuberculosis
P Van Dyck1, F M Vanhoenacker, P Van den Brande
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
European Radiology
|August 28, 2003
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) cases are rising again due to multifactorial causes. This review examines typical and atypical imaging features of pulmonary TB, especially in immunocompromised and elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, causing substantial morbidity and mortality.
- Following a decline, TB incidence has stagnated or increased since the mid-1980s due to factors like HIV, aging populations, and multidrug resistance.
- The clinical and radiological presentation of TB is influenced by host-pathogen interactions and host immune status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the typical and atypical imaging features of pulmonary tuberculosis.
- To highlight the changing patterns of TB presentation, particularly in specific patient groups.
- To underscore the importance of radiologists in diagnosing pulmonary TB.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging features of pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Analysis of clinicoradiological patterns in different patient populations.
- Discussion of factors influencing TB presentation.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary tuberculosis presents with varied clinicoradiological patterns.
- Atypical presentations are common in immunocompromised and elderly individuals.
- Shifts in TB demographics, such as primary TB in adults, are observed.
Conclusions:
- The resurgence and changing presentation of TB necessitate a renewed focus on its imaging features.
- Radiologists play a crucial role in identifying both typical and atypical patterns of pulmonary TB.
- Understanding these patterns is vital for timely diagnosis and management, especially in vulnerable populations.