Features in hospitalized patients with symptom-detected or radiologically-detected pulmonary tuberculosis

To compare features of tuberculosis detected either clinically or radiologically, we studied 498 patients hospitalized for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was less frequently radiologically-detected in patients over 65 yrs old (p less than 0.01) and in directorial staff and inactive subjects (p less than 0.0001). Pleural effusion and radiological cavities were more frequent in the symptom-detected group, but half of the radiologically-detected patients had clinical symptoms which could have led to the diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially in alcoholics and office workers. Finally, 26% of the radiologically-detected patients had positive direct tuberculosis smears and should be considered contagious.