Common and uncommon complications of reactivation tuberculosis in immunocompetent patients

• Published in: European journal of radiology Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 43 - 52
• Main Authors: Castaner, E, Gallardo, X, Mata, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland 01-03-1998
• Subjects: Aspergillosis - complications; Aspergillosis - diagnostic imaging; Bronchial Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Bronchial Diseases - microbiology; Bronchial Fistula - diagnostic imaging; Bronchial Fistula - microbiology; Calculi - diagnostic imaging; Calculi - microbiology; Constriction, Pathologic - diagnostic imaging; Constriction, Pathologic - microbiology; Diagnosis; Empyema, Tuberculous - diagnostic imaging; Empyema, Tuberculous - microbiology; Esophageal Fistula - diagnostic imaging; Esophageal Fistula - microbiology; Gangrene; Humans; Image analysis; Immunocompetence; Lung - diagnostic imaging; Lung - pathology; Lung Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Lung Diseases - microbiology; Mediastinal Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Mediastinal Diseases - microbiology; Mediastinitis - diagnostic imaging; Mediastinitis - microbiology; Pleural Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Pleural Diseases - microbiology; Pulmonary diseases; Radiography; Radiology; Recurrence; Respiratory Tract Fistula - diagnostic imaging; Respiratory Tract Fistula - microbiology; Tuberculosis, Pleural - diagnostic imaging; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - complications; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - diagnostic imaging
• ISSN: 0720-048X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0720-048X(97)00151-4

The aim of the paper is to illustrate the diagnostic role of computed tomography (CT) in immunocompetent, patients with chronic changes and uncommon complications of reactivation (postprimary) tuberculosis. According to the thoracic structure involved, the lesions have been classified as affecting the bronchial tree, lung parenchyma, arteries, mediastinum and pleura and chest wall. It is shown that CT has many important roles to play in the evaluation of known, suspected or unrecognized complications of TBC. The nature of pulmonary damage can be characterized by means of CT. CT is also useful in deciphering chest radiographs when extensive disease makes interpretation difficult.