Pulmonary tuberculosis in infants: radiographic and CT findings

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: As complications of tuberculosis are frequent in infancy, correct diagnosis of tuberculosis in infants is important. The purposes of this study are to summarize radiographic and CT findings of pulmonary tuberculosis in infants and to determine the radiologic features frequently seen in infants with this disease. CONCLUSION: Frequent radiologic findings of pulmonary tuberculosis in infants are mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy with central necrosis and air-space consolidations, especially masslike consolidations with low-attenuation areas or cavities within the consolidation. Disseminated pulmonary nodules and airway complications are also frequently detected in this age group. CT is a useful diagnostic technique in infants with tuberculosis because it can show parenchymal lesions and tuberculous lymphadenopathy better than chest radiography. CT scans can also be helpful when chest radiographs are inconclusive or complications of tuberculosis are suspected.