HIV-TUBERCULOSIS: A STUDY OF CHEST X-RAY PATTERNS IN RELATION TO CD4 COUNT

Abstract

Background: Fight against human immunodeciency virus (HIV) is incomplete without addressing problems associated with difcult diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV-Tuberculosis coinfected patients. Chest X-ray is a primary tool to evaluate tuberculosis in HIV. Aim: To assess and compare various radiological patterns of pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV patients and compare these patterns in relation to CD4 counts. Materials and Methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in J.L.N.M.C.H Bhagalpur from april 2019 to january 2021 with 200 HIV positive patients. WHO guidelines were used for diagnosis of HIV and tuberculosis. Results: 27% of the patients had sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis, with higher incidence (33%) among CD4 less than 200 as compared to CD4 more than 200 (14%). Inltration (39%) followed by consolidation (30%), cavity (11%), and lymphadenopathy (9%) seen with CD4 less than 200. Inltration (37.5%) followed by cavity (25%) and miliary (25%) with CD4 above 200. Bilateral (68.5%) and mid and lower zones or all zone involvement more commonly seen. Conclusion: In patients with CD4 lower than 200 noncavitory inltration and consolidation predominated. Involvement of lungs was atypical; diffuse or mid and lower zone involvement was higher than classical upper lobe involvement. A high index of suspicion is necessary for the accurate and timely diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIVpositive patients.