Radiography and HRCT in lower lobe tuberculosis

To identify and enumerate the radiological findings in lower lobe tuberculosis (TB) & occurrence frequency. Study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, S N Medical College, Bagalkot for 5 yrs from January 2013 -December 2017. Data collection was prospective. 60 consecutive cases of lower lung tuberculosis were identified. 36(60%) were males. 24 were females. 57 (95%) had respiratory symptoms in the form of cough and scantyexpectoration. Main radiological presentation ware patchy opacities, in 27 (45%) of patients, homogeneous consolidation in 21 (35%) of patients, cavitation in 10 (17.5%) of patients, nodular opacities in 7 (12.5%). Radiographic findings in lower lung field TB differ significantly from upper lobe disease. Most frequent radiographic finding is consolidation, more confluent and extensive than that found in upper lobes TB. Cavitory lesions are also frequently seen, which may be single or multiple and may lie within an area of consolidation.