Lower lung field tuberculosis in Yaounde, Cameroon

Lower lung field tuberculosis was investigated in 273 consecutive adult patients with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted into the Chest Unit of the Jamot Hospital in Yaounde from December 1991 to July 1992. Twenty eight cases were found representing 10.3 pc of the total admissions with pulmonary tuberculosis. Twenty three (82.1 pc) of the patients were under 40 years of age and there were more women than men. Pregnancy, HIV infection and Diabetes mellitus were conditions frequently associated with lower lung field tuberculosis. The clinical symptoms were similar to those found in upper lobe disease. Radiographic changes were found mostly in the right lung and bilateral involvement was infrequent. Extensive homogeneous or patchy consolidation was found in 87.3 pc of the cases. Cavities and pleural effusion were respectively observed in 14 and four of the patients. Tuberculosis should always be considered as a diagnostic possibility in patients with lower lung field lesions.