[Case history contributions to the current symptomatic picture of tuberculous diseases]

The problem of quick and early detection of tuberculosis in old persons deserving increasingly special attention is discussed by the hand of eight observations. Differential diagnosis of generalized forms and isolated extrapulmonary organ tuberculosis is particularly difficult. Incorrect interpretation of signs and symptoms, default of examinations crucial for right diagnosis and above all, not considering tuberculosis in the diagnostic process explain error and often subsequent death due to failing the diagnosis of tuberculosis. In the examples represented the difficulties in making the right diagnosis, the change of the clinical features and course of disease, and the reasons for misinterpretation of these forms are shown. Relevant conditions and diagnostic procedures referring to the diagnosis of tuberculosis in old people are reviewed as chronic disabling ailments, drugs reducing resistance, pulmonary fibrotic lesions all sometimes followed by exacerbation of pulmonary or lymph node tuberculosis and subsequent haematogenous generalization, and as the tuberculin testing and repeated examinations for tubercle bacilli.