Computed tomography demonstration of the complications and associations of lymphobronchial tuberculosis in children
Date
2012-04-03
Authors
Lucas, Susanna
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Abstract
Lymphobronchial tuberculosis (LBTB) is tuberculous lymphadenopathy involving the
airways, which is particularly common in children.
AIM: To describe the CT findings of LBTB in children, the parenchymal complications and
associated abnormalities.
METHOD: CT scans of 98 children with LBTB were retrospectively reviewed.
Lymphadenopathy, bronchial narrowing, parenchymal complications and associations
were documented.
RESULTS: Infants comprised 51% of patients. The commonest lymphadenopathy was
subcarinal (97% of patients). Bronchial compressions (259 in total) were present in all
patients, of which 23% were severe / complete stenoses and 28% affected bronchus
intermedius. Parenchymal complications were present in 94% of patients, including
consolidation (88%), breakdown (42%), air trapping (38%), expansile pneumonia (28%),
collapse (17%) and bronchiectasis (9%), all predominantly right-sided (63%). Associations
included oval focal bodies, miliary nodules, pleural disease and intracavitory bodies.
CONCLUSIONS: The most important CT finding of children with LBTB is visible airway
compression as a result of lymphadenopathy. CT of children with LBTB showed that
airway compressions were more severe in infants and most commonly involved bronchus
intermedius. Numerous parenchymal complications were documented, all showing rightsided
predominance. Several associations were identified.
Description
M.Med. (Radiology), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2011