Question: Hi,
I have previously asked Dr. Jnikolla regarding my lung CT scan. It was thought at the time to be possibly TB or some form of pneumonia. However, the latest opinion is that it is either a recent or old lung infection.
I have reproduced the CT report and attached images from the scan and would seek your opinion.


Thankyou.


There is a cluster of ill-defined nodules in the apical segment of the left lower lobe. There is no evidence of cavitation or calcification. The rest of the lungs are clear. There is no pulmonary consolidation, pneumothorax or pleural effusion.

The airways are patent. Incidental note of the posterior segmental bronchus of the right upper lobe, arising directly from right bronchus intermedius.

There is no mediastinal, hilar or axillary lymphadenopathy. The heart size is within normal limits. There is no pericardial effusion. The visualised upper abdomen is unremarkable.

No rib fracture, rib lesion or chest wall abnormality is detected. No significant bony abnormality is detected.

IMPRESSION

The cluster of ill-defined modules in the apical segment of the left upper lobe is likely inflammatory/infectious. Specifically, TB should be considered.

There is no cavitation or lymphadenopathy.

Thanks Dr. Jnikolla,

At the time of having the cough recently, I did a blood test (attached) which showed the infection was likely viral since the immune response wasn’t elevated enough.

Should I continue to just wait for the infection to clear if still present or is it likely that the CT indicates perhaps a past bacterial infection leading to some scarring?


Thankyou.

Thanks Dr. Jnikolla,

I understand that the crp usually would be higher in the case of bacterial as opposed to viral infection but it’s not a very reliable indicator of infection type.

As my crp has returned to normal, perhaps as a precaution I could take an antibiotic which does not interfere with possible TB culture of the sputum. Would there a good type of non-penicillin antibiotic for this purpose?


Thankyou.