title: High resolution computed tomographic findings in pulmonary tuberculosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although chest radiographs usually provide adequate information for the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis, minimal exudative tuberculosis can be overlooked on standard chest radiographs. The aim of the present study was to assess the findings of active pulmonary tuberculosis on high resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) scans, and to evaluate their possible use in determining disease activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty two patients with newly diagnosed active pulmonary tuberculosis and 34 patients with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis were examined. The diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis was based on positive acid fast bacilli in sputum and bronchial washing smears or cultures and/or changes on serial radiographs obtained during treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With HRCT scanning centrilobular lesions (n = 29), "tree-in-bud" appearance (n = 23), and macronodules 5-8 mm in diameter (n = 22) were most commonly seen in cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis. HRCT scans showed fibrotic lesions (n = 34), distortion of bronchovascular structures (n = 32), emphysema (n = 28), and bronchiectasis (n = 24) in patients with inactive tuberculosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Centrilobular densities in and around the small airways and "tree-in-bud" appearances were the most characteristic CT features of disease activity. HRCT scanning clearly differentiated old fibrotic lesions from new active lesions and demonstrated early bronchogenic spread. These findings may be of value in decisions on treatment.
authors: Chest Department, Dokuz Eylül University, Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: O N
authors: ON
authors: Hatipoğlu
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Osma
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Manisali
authors: E S
authors: ES
authors: Uçan
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Balci
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Akkoçlu
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Akpinar
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Karlikaya
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Yüksel
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*