Soonho Yoon1, Do-CiC Mihn2, Jin-Hwa Song3, Sung A Kim4, Jae-Joon Yim4. 1. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University of College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. 2. Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul, South Korea. 3. Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, 53 Jinwhangdo-Ro 61-gil, Gangdong-Gu, 05368, Seoul, South Korea. 4. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University of College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract
Background: Latent tuberculosis (TB) infection among TB contacts is diagnosed using plain chest radiography and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). However, plain chest radiographs often miss active TB, and the results of IGRA could fluctuate over time. The aim of this study was to elucidate changes in the results of serial IGRAs and in the findings of serial submillisievert chest computed tomography (CT) scans among the close contacts of active pulmonary TB patients. Methods: Patients aged 20 years or older with active pulmonary TB and their close contacts were invited to participate in this study. Two types of IGRA [QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay (QFT-GIT) and the T-SPOT.TB test (T-SPOT)] and submillisievert chest CT scanning were performed at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after enrollment. Results: In total, 19 close contacts participated in this study. One was diagnosed with active pulmonary TB and was excluded from further analysis. At baseline, 4 (22.2%) of 18 contacts showed positive results for both QFT-GIT and T-SPOT; there were no discordant results. During follow-up, transient and permanent positive or negative conversions and discordant results between the two types of IGRAs were observed in some patients. Among the 17 contacts who underwent submillisievert chest CT scanning, calcified nodules were identified in 7 (41.2%), noncalcified nodules in 14 (82.4%), and bronchiectasis in 4 (23.5%). Some nodules disappeared over time. Conclusions: The results of QFT-GIT and T-SPOT assays and CT images may change during 1 year of observation of close contacts of active TB patients.
Background: Latent tuberculosis (TB) infection among TB contacts is diagnosed using plain chest radiography and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). However, plain chest radiographs often miss active TB, and the results of IGRA could fluctuate over time. The aim of this study was to elucidate changes in the results of serial IGRAs and in the findings of serial submillisievert chest computed tomography (CT) scans among the close contacts of active pulmonary TBpatients. Methods:Patients aged 20 years or older with active pulmonary TB and their close contacts were invited to participate in this study. Two types of IGRA [QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay (QFT-GIT) and the T-SPOT.TB test (T-SPOT)] and submillisievert chest CT scanning were performed at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after enrollment. Results: In total, 19 close contacts participated in this study. One was diagnosed with active pulmonary TB and was excluded from further analysis. At baseline, 4 (22.2%) of 18 contacts showed positive results for both QFT-GIT and T-SPOT; there were no discordant results. During follow-up, transient and permanent positive or negative conversions and discordant results between the two types of IGRAs were observed in some patients. Among the 17 contacts who underwent submillisievert chest CT scanning, calcified nodules were identified in 7 (41.2%), noncalcified nodules in 14 (82.4%), and bronchiectasis in 4 (23.5%). Some nodules disappeared over time. Conclusions: The results of QFT-GIT and T-SPOT assays and CT images may change during 1 year of observation of close contacts of active TB patients.