Clinicoradiological diagnosis of respiratory infections: estimate of pathogens by radiological findings and the strategy for treatment

Abstract

This review discusses the clinicoradiological findings of pulmonary tuberculosis as well as non-tuberculous mycobacteria. To make a differential diagnosis between pneumonia and mycobacterial infections, it is very important to analyze the radiological findings of inflammatory lung diseases based on normal anatomical structures. If clinicoradiological analyses could make these differentiations, the appropriate treatment strategy for respiratory infections could be established. To accomplish this, exact orientations of pulmonary lobulus, acinus, and respiratory bronchioles is very important. Then, through analyzing chest CT findings and distribution patterns based on normal anatomical structures. estimation of causative pathogens could be possible. To differentiate infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis from non-tuberculous mycobacteria, several important criteria have been demonstrated. Briefly, in MAC respiratory infection, right middle lobe and left lingula are frequently involved and centrilobular nodules and diffuse bronchiectases are characteristic radiological findings.