English

Abstract

Lower Lung field tuberculosis (LLFT) is an atypical presentation of tuberculosis which often poses difficulty in making diagnosis. This study was carried out at department of Tuberculosis and chest diseases RMCH & RC Kanpur from October 2012 to June 2013 to study the prevalence and clinical presentation of LLFT. Diagnosed patients of pulmonary tuberculosis with lesions below an arbitrary line across the hila of their chest skiagram, considered LLFT, were included in this study. Routine laboratory testing including sputum for acid fast bacillus (AFB), HIV screening, blood sugar, serum creatinine, liver function tests were performed in each patients. Out of a total of 574 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis 9.4% had lower lung field tuberculosis. It was more common in elderly patients and more in female as compared to male. Unilateral disease and right side involvement was more common than left. Cavitations and consolidation were the chief radiological presentations. To conclude, LLFT is fairly common in India. It is more common in younger females, HIV infection and diabetes mellitus increase the risk of LLFT. Clinical presentation is similar to that of classical upper lung field tuberculosis and short course chemotherapy is equally effective as in classical upper zonal disease.