Radiological Findings in Active Pulmonary TB

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), usually is a chronic disease that caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Identification of the cases of TB is the key to control of it and radiology still plays a major role in both active and passive TB diagnosis. To assess the radiological patterns of presentation of active postprimary pulmonary TB, in this review and retrospective analysis, we studied CXRs, and medical records of 101 cases with positive sputum smear for AFB seen over a period of 2 years (1997-1999) in Razi referral center in, Rasht. The most common chest radiographical findings were as follows: consolidation, with different patterns such as reticulonodular appearance air space, fibrosis and calcification (46.5%) mostly at both apexes and upper lobes with right side dominancy (23.7%) 3 of them had healed process appearances. Cavities with air-fluid levels (mostly upper lung zones) (35.6%) and isolated pleural effusions (12.6%) and Milliary pattern (0.9%). 4 cases had normal CXRs, .Haemoptysis and high sputum bacillary burden were related in proper order to the presence of CXR consolidations and then the cavities. There were no significant differences found between sex and radiological and clinical patterns. Consisting with other reports and findings, we may consider CXR appearances in patients with AFB+ sputum as "highly suggestive" for "active disease in pulmonary TB", in endemic areas.