Radiographic presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis in young children

Ten cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) with the isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients under 6 years of age occurring between July 1994 and June 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs showed air-space consolidation (n = 4), micronodular (n = 3) and miliary lesions (n = 1). Two patients showed non-specific bronchopneumonic infiltrations. Other uncommon radiographic findings include pneumatocele formation and pleural effusion. Lymphadenopathies were detected in 6 (60%) cases using chest radiographs or computed tomography (CT), commonly with involvement of the paratracheal and hilar lymph nodes. However, most lymph node enlargement was not noted in routine postero-anterior (PA) radiographs and usually required a chest CT scan for confirmation. Since lymphadenopathy is common in children with pulmonary TB in Taiwan, we suggest using chest CT scans to detect such pathology in cases of suspected TB if other diagnostic tests are not conclusive.