Recognising tuberculosis in the lower lung field: An age- and sex-matched controlled study
Journal
International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Journal Volume
10
Journal Issue
5
Pages
578-584
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis (TB) can sometimes present with consolidation in the lower lung field. This study was conducted to compare the manifestations of lower-lung-field TB (LLFTB) and other pulmonary TB. DESIGN: All new culture-proven TB patients with lower-lung-field consolidation from July 2001 through December 2002 were included. Age- and sex-matched TB patients with upper lung involvement were selected as controls. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients with LLFTB were included. Their mean age was 58.8 years; 46 were male. The clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings were similar in the LLFTB and the control groups, except that the LLFTB patients had less cavitation (P = 0.005). Patients with LLFTB were diagnosed (P = 0.051) and treated (P = 0.001) later than the control patients. The calibres of the trachea and both main bronchi were significantly smaller in the LLFTB group (P < 0.001). More patients with LLFTB developed segmental or lobar atelectasis during follow-up (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The manifestations of LLFTB are non-specific. The lower-lung involvement, the lower incidence of cavitation and the higher probability of segmental or lobar atelectasis implied that LLFTB was primary TB. A small bronchial calibre probably contributed to its development. ? 2006 The Union.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; age determination; article; atelectasis; bronchus; controlled study; female; human; lower lung field tuberculosis; lung cavitation; major clinical study; male; priority journal; radiodiagnosis; sex difference; trachea; tuberculosis; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Radiography, Thoracic; Sex Factors; Survival Analysis; Taiwan; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
Type
journal article