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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
A young non-immunocompromised woman with diffuse alveolar opacities
Prem Parkash Gupta1, Manish Verma, Dipti Agarwal
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, India.
Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Pulmonary tuberculosis can cause diffuse alveolar opacities (DAO) even in non-immunocompromised adults. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment and preventing transmission.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Diffuse alveolar opacities (DAO) are uncommon in non-immunocompromised adults with pulmonary tuberculosis, especially in high-incidence regions like India.
- Typical presentations often lead to investigations for non-tuberculous causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of considering pulmonary tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of DAO in non-immunocompromised adults.
- To emphasize the need for early detection and treatment to improve patient outcomes and reduce transmission.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 25-year-old woman with bilateral diffuse alveolar opacities.
- Initial workup focused on non-tuberculous etiologies.
- Diagnostic procedures included sputum analysis, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) via percutaneous route, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and FNAC specimens.
Main Results:
- Sputum analysis was inconclusive for tuberculous or other infections.
- Histopathology of FNAC specimen revealed chronic granulomatous disease with Mycobacterium detection.
- PCR confirmed tuberculous etiology in both BAL and FNAC samples.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of DAO in non-immunocompromised adults, despite its infrequent presentation.
- Early diagnosis of tuberculous DAO is essential for effective treatment, avoidance of invasive procedures, and control of disease transmission.
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