Imaging of renal tuberculosis in eastern Taiwan: correlation with clinical course and different communities.
Hualien, located in eastern Taiwan, is a relatively isolated district. The population is composed of different ethnic communities. Our hospital is the only medical center in eastern Taiwan, so is the most important referral hospital for epidemic diseases. After reviewing our collected cases of renal tuberculosis (TB), we observed a great diversity in staging and outcomes. The aim of this study was to classify different imaging presentations and clinical outcomes in the ethnic communities represented by these cases (non-aboriginal and aboriginal). We retrospectively reviewed 22 cases from 1991 to 2001. We reviewed laboratory data, radiologic reports, and clinical outcomes. Before TB was proved by biopsy or culture, patients were not treated with an anti-TB regimen. Roentgenography showed that 68% of patients had renal calcification, 59% had dilated calyces, 55% had lung involvement, and 41% had auto-nephrectomy. The proportion of mild and severe forms was significantly different between aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups (0.05 > p > or = 0.00409). From this series, we recommend routine plain film roentgenography, including chest roentgenography and kidney, ureter, and bladder or abdominal roentgenography, followed by intravenous urography or computerized tomography as investigative tools for renal TB. Based on the significantly different outcomes of the disease between aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups, a stronger health education program for the isolated district in eastern Taiwan is necessary.
Leung
Ting-Kai
TK
Department of Radiology, Buddhist Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan.
Lu
Chien-Tai
CT
Ling
Chang-Ming
CM
Lee
Chau-Chin
CC
Chang
Pau-Nyen
PN
Lee
Sea-Kiat
SK
Yen
Pao-Sheng
PS
Chou
Shou-Bin
SB
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005006:Ethnicity; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013624:Taiwan; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D014398:Tuberculosis, Renal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy
D000995:Antitubercular Agents