[Roentgen findings in bronchial tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) is a form of tuberculosis affecting the airways.
• Accurate diagnosis and effective therapy monitoring are crucial for managing EBTB.
• The role of chest roentgenography in EBTB diagnosis and treatment assessment requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of chest roentgenographic findings in endobronchial tuberculosis.
• To correlate radiological findings with endoscopic confirmation and treatment outcomes.
• To determine the utility of chest X-rays in guiding the timing of bronchoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of chest roentgenograms from 41 patients with endoscopically confirmed EBTB.
• Correlation of radiological findings with clinical presentation and bronchoscopic results.
• Assessment of radiological changes during antituberculosis drug therapy.

Main Results:

• Pulmonary infiltrates typical of tuberculosis were present in 40 out of 41 patients.
• Signs of airway obstruction (collapse/consolidation) were observed in 52% of patients.
• A normal chest roentgenogram was found in only one patient, highlighting the possibility of isolated EBTB.
• Radiological improvement occurred in 38 patients during therapy, but persistent tracheobronchial stenoses were noted in over half.
• Normal chest X-rays do not exclude endobronchial tuberculosis.

Conclusions:

• Endobronchial tuberculosis is frequently associated with lung parenchyma involvement, showing typical pulmonary tuberculosis signs on chest X-rays.
• Chest roentgenography is valuable but cannot exclude EBTB, especially in isolated cases.
• Persistent tracheobronchial stenoses can occur despite radiological improvement, underscoring the need for early fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
• Sputum conversion may indicate an optimal time for bronchoscopic examination.