Computed Tomography in Diagnosis of Lesions of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (MTB) is dangerous bacterial infection primarily affecting lungs and is capable of infecting everyone exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. AFB and CXR are useful preliminary investigative tools, but CT scan are invaluable diagnostic tool for establishing a diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. Objectives: To diagnose the lesions of PTB and assess the CT scan findings in AFB-positive patients. Methods: The AFB-positive patients were examined using CT scan to reveal their mediastinal and pulmonary pathological conditions and activities and disease propagation using imaging technology of CT scan. In cases of PTB with lymphadenopathy, 50cc of non-ionic contrast was administered intravenously to examine the low attenuation area. Results: The findings of CT scan regarding micronodules, nodular masses and other foci and lymphadenopathy were scrutinized, and major diagnostic CT scan findings were Centrilobular nodules (97.40%), Parenchymal nodules (84.43%), Paratracheal and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (74.85%), air space consolidation and paucity (62.07%), Pulmonary calcification (31.73%), Pleural effusion (29.34%) and Bronchiectasis (12.77%). Conclusions: CT scan is the most sensitive and accurate tool for diagnosis confirmation and disease activity evaluation. In addition, it details the abnormalities and prognosis of organ deformity in PTB patients.