[Thoracic manifestation of tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the thorax.
• Increasing TB incidence in Central Europe necessitates familiarity with its radiological manifestations to differentiate active from inactive disease.
• Immune status significantly influences TB's clinical and radiographic presentation, challenging traditional classifications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize and discuss the radiographic manifestations of thoracic TB.
• To highlight the importance of radiological assessment in diagnosing and managing TB.
• To emphasize differentiating active from inactive TB based on imaging findings.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiographic manifestations of thoracic TB.
• Discussion of the role of chest X-ray imaging and computed tomography (CT) in TB detection and follow-up.
• Integration of medical history and bacteriological tests with imaging.

Main Results:

• Chest X-rays are the primary diagnostic tool for suspected TB screening, diagnosis, and therapy monitoring.
• CT scans offer higher sensitivity than X-rays for subtle parenchymal changes and lymph node involvement.
• Typical active TB findings on CT include tree-in-bud opacities, lobular consolidations, centrilobular nodules, cavities, and ground-glass opacities.

Conclusions:

• Chest X-rays should be the initial imaging modality for suspected TB.
• CT is recommended when active TB is suspected for detailed evaluation.
• Specific CT findings are indicative of active TB, guiding clinical management.