[Variants of the course of fibrous-cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis]

Taking into account the presence of the process development symptoms or their absence (including a high rate of exacerbations, ongoing dissemination process, formation of new cavities in the affected foci, severe infiltration of the lung tissue and massive bacillary excretion), process development rate and the nature of complications, the following 4 versions of fibrous-cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis were identified: rapidly developing disease; slowly developing disease; fibrous-cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis whose clinical picture was determined by different complications; and relatively stable condition. ++Clinico-roentgenological+ features of each version of the disease are described. Abnormalities in the ++clinico-roentgenological+ picture and laboratory findings are especially apparent in patients with rapidly developing fibrous-cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis.