Adult-onset pulmonary tuberculosis: findings on chest radiographs and CT scans

Abstract

Adult-onset pulmonary tuberculosis refers to primary tuberculous infection occurring initially in adults. The decreasing exposure in childhood, owing to careful public health measures and the advent of antituberculous chemotherapy, has resulted in later initial exposure to tuberculosis and an increased likelihood of susceptibility to tuberculosis during adulthood [1-3]. In addition, chest radiographs typically show a pattern more consistent with primary infection in pulmonary tuberculosis associated with AIDS. In this essay, we illustrate the spectrum of radiographic and CT findings of adult-onset pulmonary tuberculosis in patients without AIDS.