Chest ultrasound findings in pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective The current observational study aims to identify the role of ultrasound (US) in detecting pleuropulmonary lesions in active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients. Background Owing to the fact that US is the predominant criterion in determining major disorders, it provides quantitative data from which pleural effusions can be calculated, along with reporting lung consolidation. This process is found to be useful to increase the end-expiratory pressure. Patients and methods This research involved 30 patients with active pulmonary TB (sputum positive for acid-fast bacilli) by direct smear microscopy, clinical manifestation, and radiological abnormalities who were admitted to the Chest Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University Hospitals, from April 2018 to March 2019. Full assessment of history, and routine, physical, and bacteriologic examination and radiological examination were performed. Results Outcomes showed a statistically significant difference between the males and females in occupation, sputum, smoking, and dyspnea (P<0.001). Most importantly, 15 out of 30 patients (half of them) showed a massive effusion with clear fluid. The second most noteworthy finding was the presence of a minimal effusion in 5/30 patients. In terms of radiograph results, however, half the patients revealed massive effusion and almost the same number of patients (16/30) had comorbidities; five of them suffered from hypertension and diabetes. Nevertheless, there were no statistically significant differences between the males and females with respect to US findings (P=0.179) and radiograph findings (0.202). Conclusion TB appears to be highly prevalent among male patients than the female ones. However, the increased incidence of TB among males has been proven to be independent of other risk factors of TB. It can be concluded that US is an efficient and suitable method for the evaluation of different pleural diseases in TB patients. US is mostly sensitive and specific in diagnosing pleural effusions.