J Korean Radiol Soc.  1987 Jun;23(3):378-386. 10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.3.378.

Unusual radiological findings of adult-onset pulmonary tuberculosis

• Lee YC
• Lee JB
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2359523
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.3.378

Abstract

Usual chest radiographic findings in pulmmonary tuberculosis are well described in radiologic literatures forboth primary and postprimary phases of disease. During the last decade, many authors have enumerated the unusualmenifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis in adult population. These unusual findings usually have been involved inthe frequent failure of both radiologist and clinician to recongnize that tuberculosis could be the cause of aabnormal chest radiograph in patients who are finally and suprisingly proven to have tuberculosis. Authors haveevaluated 249 patients who were admitted and newly proven to have adult-onset pulmonry tuberculosis at Chung-AngUniversity Hospital from January, 1985 to December, 1986. Unusual findings were noted in 76(39.5%) of the 249 patients with adult-onset pulmonry tuberculosis. These unusual findings most frequently could be seen in 3rddecades and showed no sex difference in incidence. A broad spectrum of abnormal findings including usual andunusual abnormalities were produced by adult-onset pulmonary tuberculosis. The unusual radiolgraphic findings were arbitrarily classified. Pleural effusion without parenchymal disease(10.0%), unusual location of infiltrate (5.6%)and atelectasis(3.2%) were relatively common. Hilar and/or mediastinal lymphnode enlargement(1.6%), cavity withoutparenchymal infiltrated(1.6%), septic lung-like infiltrates(1.6%), completely clear lungs(1.2%) were occasionallynoted. Pneumothorax without parenchymal disease(0.4%) and bron chocutaneous fistula(0.4%) are. The recognition ofthese unusual findings could further improve the detection and diagnosis of adult-onset pulmonary tuberculosis.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diagnosis
Humans
Incidence
Pleural Effusion
Pneumothorax
Radiography, Thoracic
Sex Characteristics
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*