Kiran Nauman.
HRCT features of pulmonary tuberculosis in Gilgit Baltistan.
Pak J Radiol Nov ;29(1):32-6.

ABSTRACT Objective: To study the High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) features of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the population of Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Study Design: Descriptive case series study. Place and Duration Of Study : The study was conducted at Radiology department, CMH Gilgit from 1 st October, 2017 to 30 th September 2018. Materials & Methods : 30 patients with ages between 18-80 years, with clinically and radiographically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis were further evaluated using HRCT lung, after informed consent. Results : Total 30 patients underwent HRCT lung scanning. Centrilobular nodules (n=21), tree-in-bud opacities (n=17) and consolidation (n=12) were the most frequent findings of active tuberculosis. Miliary nodules were detected in 8 patients, (n=8). Ground glass opacities (n=6), thick walled cavities (n=5), empyema (n=3), pleural effusion (n=3) and Reverse halo sign (n=1) were also features suggesting active tuberculosis. Features signifying inactive tuberculosis on HRCT were fibrosis (n= 5), bronchovascular/architectural distortion (n= 5), traction bronchiectasis (n=4) and calcified nodules (n-5). 5 out of 30 patients presented with HRCT features of both active and inactive pulmonary tuberculosis. Conclusion : Pulmonary tuberculosis manifests itself in a variety of patterns on HRCT in the population of GB. Secondly, miliary tuberculosis is on rise in this region. This is an alarming situation and calls for serious measures to be taken by competent authorities. Studies should be carried out to evaluate the prevalence and cause of rise of miliary tuberculosis in GB.

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