Radiological Manifestations of Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Comparative Study between Immunocompromised and...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can present with atypical radiological findings in immunocompromised individuals, including those with diabetes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• Computed tomography (CT) plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis and management of pulmonary TB in these patients to prevent complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the CT chest features of pulmonary tuberculosis between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients.
• To identify specific radiological differences in pulmonary TB presentation based on immune status.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 60 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients.
• Patients were divided into two groups: 30 immunocompetent and 30 immunocompromised (diabetes mellitus or HIV-seropositive).
• CT scans of the chest were evaluated for radiological manifestations in all participants.

Main Results:

• Immunocompromised patients demonstrated a higher rate of atypical presentations (76.7%) compared to immunocompetent patients (36.7%).
• Lymphadenopathy was more prevalent in the immunocompromised group (63.3%) versus the immunocompetent group (23.3%).
• Diabetic patients showed multiple cavitary lesions (60%), while HIV-seropositive patients had a higher prevalence of lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions:

• Immunocompromised patients exhibit more atypical lung involvement and higher lymphadenopathy rates in pulmonary TB compared to immunocompetent individuals.
• Diabetic patients are more prone to multiple cavitary lesions, and HIV-seropositive patients show increased lymphadenopathy.
• CT imaging is valuable for differentiating pulmonary TB patterns in diverse patient populations.