Imaging recommendations and algorithms for pediatric tuberculosis: part 1-thoracic tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health problem and is the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, behind the novel coronavirus disease of 2019. Children are amongst the most vulnerable groups affected by TB, and imaging manifestations are different in children when compared to adults. TB primarily involves the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes. Clinical history, physical examination, laboratory examinations and various medical imaging tools are combined to establish the diagnosis. Even though chest radiography is the accepted initial radiological imaging modality for the evaluation of children with TB, this paper, the first of two parts, aims to discuss the advantages and limitations of the various medical imaging modalities and to provide recommendations on which is most appropriate for the initial diagnosis and assessment of possible complications of pulmonary TB in children. Practical, evidence-based imaging algorithms are also presented.