Backnound: Although chest radiographs usually provide adequate information on the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis, minimal exudative tuberculosis can be overlooked on standard chest radiographs.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate findings of active pulmonary tuberculosis on high-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scans and their sequential changes before and after antituberculous chemotherapy.
Patients and Methods: Twenty patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis were studied prospectively. The diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis was based on the detection of acid-fast bacilli in sputum or bronchial washing smears. HRCT scans and plain chest X-rays were obtained before, 3 and 6 months during treatment.
Results: With HRCT scanning centrilobular nodules or branching linear lesions (No =20, 100%), "tree in bud" appearance (No=18, 90%), poorly defined nodules (No=15, 75) and cavity (No=12, 60%) were most commonly seen in cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis. In contrast, plain X-ray pictures showed infiltrations (including that of bronchogenic spread) in 10 cases (50%) followed by cavitation (30%), and consolidation (25%). On follow-up, most of these lesions disappeared within 6 months after the start of treatment except centrilobular nodules |
