Abnormal Chest X-Ray Findings of Patients With Confirmed Tuberculosis in Ghana

TL;DR

This study examines chest X-ray findings in tuberculosis patients in Ghana to understand lung damage patterns and emphasize the importance of early imaging diagnosis.

Contribution

The study provides a detailed characterization of chest X-ray findings in bacteriologically confirmed TB patients in Ghana.

Findings

Reticulonodular infiltrates were the most common finding, observed in 66.4% of patients.

Lung involvement predominantly affected the apical/upper zones on the left lung and middle/lower zones on the right lung.

Most patients had large-scale lung involvement affecting more than two zones.

Abstract

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health issue despite being treatable and preventable. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for reducing TB transmission, in line with global control strategies. Chest X-rays, widely accessible and rapid, are key imaging tools for diagnosing TB. This retrospective study sought to assess chest X-ray findings of patients with confirmed tuberculosis in Ghana.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed chest X-ray findings to characterize lung lesions and assess tissue damage in 131 patients with bacteriologically confirmed TB. Lung lesions were categorized based on parenchymal changes, lesion extent, location, and pleural involvement.

Results

Reticulonodular infiltrates were observed in 66.4% (n=87) of patients, consolidation/ground-glass opacities in 58.8% (n=77), reticular infiltrates in 45.0% (n=59), and cavities in 42.0% (n=55). Pleural effusions were noted in 31.3% (n=41), predominantly unilateral (24.4%, n=32). Parenchymal anomalies primarily affected the apical/upper lung zones, mostly on the left (70.2%, n=92). Both middle-zone (48.1%, n=63) and lower-zone (49.6%, n=65) abnormalities predominantly affected the right lung. The extent of lung involvement varied: 23.6% (n=31) had small (one zone), 11.4% (n=15) medium (two zones), and 58.0% (n=76) large (more than two zones) involvement.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the significant lung damage caused by TB and underscore the importance of imaging in early detection and management.

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