ABSTRACT
To compare the radiologic patterns in HIV positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with non-HIV positive patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. Descriptive study. The study is a carried out in the Department of Medicine at Dow University Hospital from July, 2010 to July, 2011. The admission records of 54 HIV-positive patients were analyzed. A total of 30 patients out of 54 presented with pulmonary symptoms, which were further evaluated by sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli and chest radiographs. These 30 patients were compared with 30 non-HIV, smear positive for acid-fast bacilli patients. Out of 30 HIV seropositive patients, 29 were male and 1 was female with the mean age +/- SD 33.9 +/- 95 years. Sputum staining for acid-fast bacilli was positive in 10 patients [33.3 %]. Frequent radiographic patterns included normal 12[40%] and apical infiltrates 5[16.6%]. Cavitatory lesion was observed in 1 patient. Dominant symptoms were weight loss 29[93.3%] and fever 24[80%]. Out of the 30 non-HIV seropositive pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 20 were male and 10 were female of mean age +/- SD 33.9 +/- 95 years. Sputum staining for acid-fast bacilli was positive in 30 patients [100%]. Frequent radiographic patterns were apical cavitations 12[40%], apical infiltrates 5 [16.6%], bronchopneumonia 6[20%], interstitial infection3 [10%].Dominant symptoms were weight loss 29[93.3%] and fever 24[80%]. Majority of HIV seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were male. Common radiographic patterns were normal radiographs and apical infiltrates. Atypical radiographic presentation is particularly related in advance stages of immunosuppresion. Cavitatory lesions and pleural effusion were rare findings. Non HIV seropositive pulmonary tuberculosis patients were both male and female. Common radiographic patterns were apical cavitatory lesions, bronchopneumonia, interstitial infiltrations and pleural effusion. This radiographic presentation is particularly related to delayed hypersensitivity reaction