Tuberc Respir Dis.  1989 Mar;36(1):17-21. 10.4046/trd.1989.36.1.17.

The Impact to Mass Miniature Radiography to Predict New Chest Abnormality in University Freshmen

• KMID: 2528569
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1989.36.1.17

Abstract

To determine the value of routine chest x.ray examination in screening for chest abnormalities. we analyzed the chest x-ray films of 3719 freshmen of Korea University in 1986. When abnormal findings of mass miniature radiography (MMR) were detected, standard chest x.ray were taken. Those students with abnormal findings were registered at Health Center of the University and prospectively followed for 12 months. The following results were obtained. 1) Routine MMR for freshmen revealed x-ray abnormalities in 52 students (1.4%); pulmonary tuberculosis was suspected in 35, others in 17 2) Reexamination by standard chest x-ray technique revealed significant abnormalities in 29 students; active pulmonary tuberculosis in 14, inactive pulmonary tuberculosis in 9, undetermined activity in 1, pneumothorax in 1, others in 4. 3) Among 14 students with radiologically active tuberculosis 5 had already completed chemotherapy, 2 were under chemotherapy. One student from 9 radiologically inactive tuberculosis was later confirmed as an active case. One case of bronchopneumonia was turned out to be tuberculosis. So newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients by routine x-ray examination were 9. 4) There was one case of pneumothorax who needed treatment. Present study showed low efficacy of routine MMR for university freshmen of 1986 to detect clinically significant new chest abnormality. We suggest the change of physical check-up method for college students is necessary.