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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Is Pulmonary Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

My dad had a chest X-ray done and it revealed fibro reticular infiltrates at the left upper lobes. His Dr diagnosed him with Pulmonary TB. Can PTB be diagnosed by X-ray only? I asked him to go to a pulmonulogist for further studies. He smoked 1 pack a day for 50 years.

Mon, 14 Jul 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
Your question is "can pulmonary tuberculosis be diagnosed by X ray only ??".
Diagnostic parameters or tests are as .
1 Sputum ( phlegm or expectoration ) , direct microscopy of the sputum to detect A F B is the most important test for patients w/ suspected P T B.
2 Bronchoscopy , consider in high risk patient .
3 Chest X ray we seen apical lesions ( as in your father case reticular infiltration at the left upper lobe. , tends to have a higher +ve predictive value for T B & therefore chest X ray is always indicated if P T B is suspected .
Other tests are tuberculin skin tests , physical and clinical examination , blood for E S R ( if > 90-100 mm of 1st hours highly suggestive of T B.
In my opinion consult a "CHEST & TUBERCULOSIS " specialist and take his treatment .
Hope this information will help you.
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How Is Pulmonary Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

Hello Your question is can pulmonary tuberculosis be diagnosed by X ray only ?? . Diagnostic parameters or tests are as . 1 Sputum ( phlegm or expectoration ) , direct microscopy of the sputum to detect A F B is the most important test for patients w/ suspected P T B. 2 Bronchoscopy , consider in high risk patient . 3 Chest X ray we seen apical lesions ( as in your father case reticular infiltration at the left upper lobe. , tends to have a higher +ve predictive value for T B & therefore chest X ray is always indicated if P T B is suspected . Other tests are tuberculin skin tests , physical and clinical examination , blood for E S R ( if 90-100 mm of 1st hours highly suggestive of T B. In my opinion consult a CHEST & TUBERCULOSIS specialist and take his treatment . Hope this information will help you.