Reactivation of tuberculosis: a problem of aging.
Six examples demonstrate the reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis in elderly patients. In 3 cases the tuberculosis became reactivated 25, 47 and 51 years respectively after the initial diagnosis. In aged patients with pulmonary symptoms and abnormal x-ray findings, the presence of reactivated tuberculosis should always be considered. Sometimes steroid or x-ray therapy for other disease may be the reactivating factor.
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012008:Recurrence; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones