Guidelines
Review Imaging: CXR & Chest CT

Review Imaging: CXR & Chest CT

Typical findings

Triad of classic findings are seen in non-immunocompromised adults:

  • Position – apical-posterior segments of upper lobes or superior segment of lower lobes in 90%
  • Volume loss – this is a hallmark of TB disease as a result of its destructive and fibrotic nature
  • Cavitation – this is seen at a later stage and depends upon a vigorous immune response; may not be seen in severely immunocompromised individuals

Atypical features

These may be seen in patients with immunocompromising conditions such as HIV infection, diabetes, renal failure, or corticosteroid use:

  • Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, particularly in HIV infected individuals
  • Non-cavitary infiltrates and lower lobe involvement
  • Normal CXR in 10% of patients with HIV co-infection