Limits of chest X-ray investigation in the diagnosis of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis
Ito, K.
Kekkaku 80(7): 521-526
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-9776 PMID: 16167778 Document Number: 594650
To investigate the usefulness of chest X-ray investigation for early diagnosis of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis. Patients who start re-treatment at Fukujuji Hospital from 1993 to 2003 due to the recurrence of lung tuberculosis after the completion of standard chemotherapy. Chart review. Deterioration of chest X-ray was not observed in 19.5% (8/41) of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis, and in 4 cases even improvement of chest X-ray finding was observed. Sensitivity of chest X-ray in all recurrent cases was around 80 %, and this figure did not increase in smear positive recurrent cases. Sensitivity of chest X-ray for symptomatic recurrent cases was 92.3%, and that for non-symptomatic recurrent cases 60.0%, which is significantly lower than that for symptomatic cases. Sensitivity of chest X-ray for early diagnosis of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis is not very high, and bacteriological examinations are more important irrespective of chest X-ray finding. Especially in non-symptomatic recurrent cases, usefulness of chest X-ray is considerably limited. Method and necessity of regular follow-up in non-symptomatic persons after successful tuberculosis chemotherapy should be re-considered.