The radiographic features of pulmonary tuberculosis observed for the western region of Saudi Arabia.

The radiographs of 714 patients (486 males, 228 females) with proved pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were studied. Most were between 15 and 44 years of age, and most (86.8%) exhibited the usual radiographic appearance of PTB. All had extensive bilateral lung disease, with the right upper lobe the most commonly involved. Parenchymal opacities, cavitation, and atelectasis were common. Many radiographic patterns were encountered, and these varied from one radiograph to the next and even within the same radiograph, with two or more patterns seen together. Unusual radiographic manifestations were found in 13.2% of the patients. These included isolated opacities in the lower lobe, middle lobe, or lingula; normal chest radiographs; isolated pleural effusions; isolated mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy, and mass-like lesions. Permanent lung damage could be avoided if the various radiographic features of pulmonary tuberculosis were promptly recognized, thus leading to early treatment.