Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Important role of Imaging in Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a worldwide public health problem, particularly among immunocompromised patients and other high-risk groups. Although clinical scenarios in which pulmonary tuberculosis can present are numerous, imaging examination is often performed both for initial diagnosis and for follow-up. In addition, it is not infrequent that TB is initially suspected from the imaging studies. Although chest radiograph still has an essential role in the initial evaluation, advanced cross-sectional imaging, in particular multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT), is critical for improved lesion detection, characterization, and disease extension assessment, both in limited and advanced disease and also in detecting the presence of complications. The role of the radiologist is pivotal, and appropriate understanding of the pathophysiology associated with imaging manifestations allows the radiologist to narrow the differential diagnosis and, when appropriate, suggest management options, significantly impacting patient outcome.