BACKGROUND: Cavitating pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is generally known as a disease of adults, with children typically having features of primary PTB. OBJECTIVE: To group children with PTB and cavities according to possible pathogenesis by evaluating the clinical and radiological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiological findings in ten randomly selected children with PTB and cavitations on chest radiographs were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated. RESULTS: Three groups emerged: group 1 (four children) had cavities, usually single and unilateral in the classic upper lobe distribution of postprimary PTB; group 2 (three children) developed progressive primary spread of disease with extensive and bilateral pulmonary cavities; and group 3 (three children) developed cavities secondary to airway obstruction by mediastinal lymph nodes with consequent distal collapse and consolidation. Children in group 1 responded well to treatment and had unremarkable recoveries. Children in group 2 were all below 2 years of age with complicated recoveries. Children in group 3 had frequent complications resulting in one fatality. CONCLUSION: Cavities in PTB in children may arise by one of three possible mechanisms with a relatively equal incidence. A study is underway to determine the incidence of cavity formation associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and airway obstruction.
BACKGROUND: Cavitating pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is generally known as a disease of adults, with children typically having features of primary PTB. OBJECTIVE: To group children with PTB and cavities according to possible pathogenesis by evaluating the clinical and radiological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiological findings in ten randomly selected children with PTB and cavitations on chest radiographs were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated. RESULTS: Three groups emerged: group 1 (four children) had cavities, usually single and unilateral in the classic upper lobe distribution of postprimary PTB; group 2 (three children) developed progressive primary spread of disease with extensive and bilateral pulmonary cavities; and group 3 (three children) developed cavities secondary to airway obstruction by mediastinal lymph nodes with consequent distal collapse and consolidation. Children in group 1 responded well to treatment and had unremarkable recoveries. Children in group 2 were all below 2 years of age with complicated recoveries. Children in group 3 had frequent complications resulting in one fatality. CONCLUSION: Cavities in PTB in children may arise by one of three possible mechanisms with a relatively equal incidence. A study is underway to determine the incidence of cavity formation associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and airway obstruction.
Authors: Ben J Marais; Robert P Gie; H Simon Schaaf; Jeff R Starke; Anneke C Hesseling; Peter R Donald; Nulda Beyers Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2004-08-05
Authors: Paolo Tomà; Laura Lancella; Laura Menchini; Roberta Lombardi; Aurelio Secinaro; Alberto Villani Journal: Radiol Med Date: 2016-09-20 Impact factor: 3.469
Authors: Nathan David P Concepcion; Bernard F Laya; Savvas Andronikou; Pedro A N Daltro; Marion O Sanchez; Jacqueline Austine U Uy; Timothy Reynold U Lim Journal: Pediatr Radiol Date: 2017-08-29