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Does Healed Primary Complex Leave A Scar On The Lungs? Is There Any Complication?
Hi, I had primary complex when I was just about 10 years old. Now my X-rays show that there s a possible problem with my right lung and I could possibly have pneumonia . I did some research and found out that healed primary complex often leave a scar in the lungs which can be seen on x-rays. I know that I don t have pneumonia since I don t even have a cough so is it possible that what they re seeing is just the scar? thanks.
Fri, 11 Jan 2013
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,
There is possibility that a Primary complex can be seen in X ray but it is small and different from Pneumonia.
The X ray always need to be correlated clinically,if cough or fever is there.
There is small but chance of reactivation of TB should also be considered, If there is doubt your physician may prescribe suitable antibiotic and repeat X ray after 10 days and compare the X ray and see if it clears.
If TB is in question other blood test including PCR test for TB may give clue and correlation clinically is most important.
Take Care.
Good Luck
Welcome to HCM,
There is possibility that a Primary complex can be seen in X ray but it is small and different from Pneumonia.
The X ray always need to be correlated clinically,if cough or fever is there.
There is small but chance of reactivation of TB should also be considered, If there is doubt your physician may prescribe suitable antibiotic and repeat X ray after 10 days and compare the X ray and see if it clears.
If TB is in question other blood test including PCR test for TB may give clue and correlation clinically is most important.
Take Care.
Good Luck
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Hello and welcome to HCM
Primary complex heals by scarring and it leaves behind a fibrotic band.
Healed primary complex is seen as a fibrotic band or a calcified lymph node on X-ray chest.
An active pneumonia is seen as a patch of consolidation and not as a fibrotic band.
Discuss this with your radiologist and give him/ her the details of past tuberculosis of the lung in the past.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Primary complex heals by scarring and it leaves behind a fibrotic band.
Healed primary complex is seen as a fibrotic band or a calcified lymph node on X-ray chest.
An active pneumonia is seen as a patch of consolidation and not as a fibrotic band.
Discuss this with your radiologist and give him/ her the details of past tuberculosis of the lung in the past.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
I find this answer helpful
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