CT reveals traits of drug-resistanttuberculosis

Micronodules, tree-in-bud appearance, consolidations, cavities, bronchiectasis, and lobular consolidations are frequent CT abnormalities of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Researchers at the Seoul National Hospital in Korea made the discovery after a retrospective review of tests from 260 patients diagnosed with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis from 1994 to 2005. The researchers found that 47 patients had drug-resistant TB, while 213 had multidrug-resistant TB.

CT exams of 20 of the 47 drug-resistant and 85 of the 213 multidrug-resistant TB patients revealed micronodules and tree-inbud appearance in all of them. About 70% of patients showed lobular consolidations. Cavities and bronchiectasis were also conspicuous on CT.

Drug-resistant TB is a serious public health issue in many countries. Radiologists should consider the possibility of TB upon identifying signs, Lee said. He presented the study at the 2008 RSNA meeting.