Radiographic patterns in HIV associated pulmonary tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

To evaluate Radiographic patterns in HIV associated PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS. Observational, retrospective, descriptive study. This study was conducted in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Civil Hospital, Karachi between July 2008 to April 2009. This study is conducted by reviewing the admission records of 54 HIV diagnosed patients. A total of 30 patients presented with pulmonary symptoms were evaluated by sputum smear for acid fast bacilli [AFB] and chest radiographs. Out of 30 HIV seropositive patients, 29 were male and 1 was female of mean age +/- SD 33.9 +/- 95 years. Sputum staining for acid-fast bacilli was positive in 10 patients [33.3%]. Frequent radiographic patterns were 12 [40%] normal, 5 [16.6%] apical infiltrate, cavitatory lesion was observed in 1 patient. Dominant symptoms were weight loss 29 [93.3%], fever 24 [80%]. Majority of HIV seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were male, common radiographic patterns were normal radiograph, apical infiltrates atypical radiographic presentation is particularly related in advance stages of immunosuppressant. Cavitatory lesions and pleural effusion were rare findings: