[Primary tuberculosis in children - thoracic x-ray findings supply clue (author's transl)]

A retrospective study of 55 children was performed in order to emphasize the radiological signs indicating primary pulmonary tuberculosis. The endothoracic lymphnodes are of special importance. Hilar lymphnode enlargement is a obligatory symptom and often combined with enlargement of mediastinal lymphnodes. The pathological findings are normally unilateral. Stenosis of larger bronchi and/or compression of trachea caused by enlarged lymphnodes is a useful diagnostic criterion. Bronchial compression secondary 10 unspecific inflammation is rare. Nearly 50% of our cases showed bronchial compression. In 14 children tracheal compression was evident. Stenosis of larger bronchi and of the trachea are usually identifiable on adequately exposed plain films. Pulmonary manifestations in primary pulmonary tuberculosis are usually due to bronchial stenosis or penetration of caseate lymphnodes into the bronchial tree.