Tuberculous lung abscess

Case contributed by Ahmed Abdrabou
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Fever, chest pain and productive cough of offensive greenish sputum

Patient Data

Age: 45 years
Gender: Male
ct

A thin walled air filled (with minimal fluid) rounded cystic lesion is seen occupying the apical and posterior segment of right upper lobe. It is limited by the oblique fissure and surrounded by area of consolidation with air bronchogram. Calcified right hilar lymph nodes and esophageal dilatation are also noted.

Case Discussion

The patient is egyptian. Tuberculosis is endemic in Egypt, middle east area and India. Primary infection with TB occurs during childhood and result in ghon's focus and the calcified lymph node. Post-primary infection occurs later in life either by re-infection or re-activation. If the immunity is strong TB bronchopneumonia and abscess occur but if the immunity is weak miliary TB occurs. TB abscess favors the apical segment of upper and lower lobes due to their low oxygen tension.

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