Tuberculosis X-ray Chest Radiograph Manifestations

Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
Updated on September 14, 2024
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If it is tuberculosis, it is generally visible on an X-ray chest film. Of course, some especially early-stage or tiny lesions might not be detected except by CT. However, typical cases of tuberculosis can be diagnosed with a chest X-ray. Often, on the chest X-ray, the apices of both lungs—the uppermost parts—might show cloud-like, vague shadowy areas that are slightly brighter than the normal lung tissue but with unclear edges. Additionally, there are some cases of secondary tuberculosis, which are more severe, featuring tuberculomas which are more evenly dense and have smoother edges. These can be seen in the lungs. However, such typical severe tuberculomas are becoming less common clinically because medications are used more promptly now, and people seek treatment in a timely manner. Cases like chronic fibrocavitary tuberculosis are becoming increasingly rare, mostly seen in older patients who have been on medication for many years.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is pulmonary tuberculosis contagious?

The source of transmission for tuberculosis mainly comes from patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, also known as bacterium-shedding patients. This is determined when tuberculosis bacteria are found in the patient's sputum. Tuberculous pleurisy, commonly referred to as tuberculous pleurisy, is not contagious. This is because the pleural effusion is confined within the pleural cavity, isolated from the external environment, and the chances of detecting tuberculosis bacteria in the pleural fluid are very low. Therefore, it is generally not contagious and there is no need for concern. The treatment duration for tuberculous pleurisy is longer than that for pulmonary tuberculosis, typically lasting 9 to 12 months. It is important to follow medical advice and complete the course of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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The difference between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis

Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, although only differing by one character in Chinese, are completely different diseases. Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis share some similarities, such as their pathological changes often involving granulomas. However, in tuberculosis, the granulomas are typically caseating, while in sarcoidosis, they are non-caseating. Tuberculosis shows characteristic features under pathological examination, whereas the diagnosis of sarcoidosis is one of exclusion, requiring the ruling out of other various granulomatous diseases. Secondly, their causes are also different; tuberculosis has a very clear cause, being an infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacterium. Meanwhile, the cause of sarcoidosis has not been identified clearly and may be related to a variety of factors including genetics, environment, and chemicals, among others. Additionally, the clinical manifestations of both sarcoidosis and tuberculosis are not specific, and both diseases can present symptoms like coughing, expectoration, chest pain, hemoptysis, low or high fever, weight loss, and night sweats. Thus, it is quite difficult to differentiate between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis based on symptoms alone. Moreover, their treatments differ; sarcoidosis is mainly treated with corticosteroids, while the primary treatment for tuberculosis involves anti-tuberculosis therapy.

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Written by An Yong Peng
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Does increased lung markings indicate tuberculosis?

Increased pulmonary markings are not an exclusive indicator of tuberculosis. The increase in pulmonary markings could be a sign of acute bronchitis or chronic pulmonary congestion. Additionally, although patients with bronchiectasis often show characteristics in a chest CT, it might only appear as increased pulmonary markings in a chest X-ray. Tuberculosis can present in various forms of lesions, often coexisting in multiple forms. Such forms may include infiltrative lesions, fibrous strip-like lesions, nodular lesions, or even lesions with calcification. For diagnosing tuberculosis, relying solely on chest X-rays or CT scans is sometimes insufficient. Further confirmation often requires additional tests such as sputum acid-fast staining and bronchoscopy.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
1min 2sec home-news-image

Tuberculosis X-ray Chest Radiograph Manifestations

If it is tuberculosis, it is generally visible on an X-ray chest film. Of course, some especially early-stage or tiny lesions might not be detected except by CT. However, typical cases of tuberculosis can be diagnosed with a chest X-ray. Often, on the chest X-ray, the apices of both lungs—the uppermost parts—might show cloud-like, vague shadowy areas that are slightly brighter than the normal lung tissue but with unclear edges. Additionally, there are some cases of secondary tuberculosis, which are more severe, featuring tuberculomas which are more evenly dense and have smoother edges. These can be seen in the lungs. However, such typical severe tuberculomas are becoming less common clinically because medications are used more promptly now, and people seek treatment in a timely manner. Cases like chronic fibrocavitary tuberculosis are becoming increasingly rare, mostly seen in older patients who have been on medication for many years.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
47sec home-news-image

Is a shadow on the lung definitely tuberculosis?

Shadows in the lungs are primarily revealed through imaging studies, a characteristic feature found in radiology. Clinically, lung shadows can be caused by tuberculosis, various lung tumors, or inflammatory lesions, which are also detected via imaging studies. Hence, the causes of lung shadows are numerous and complex in clinical settings. Discovering a shadow on the lungs through X-ray does not necessarily indicate tuberculosis. A definitive diagnosis should be based on a detailed patient history, other relevant clinical manifestations, and additional diagnostic tests. While tuberculosis might be a likely cause of lung shadows, it is not the cause in every case.