[Progressive primary tuberculosis with endobronchial involvement. Benefits of multislice helical computed tomography].

OBJECTIVES

To assess computed tomography (CT) imaging findings in progressive primary tuberculosis and to determine the use of the multislice images obtained.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report the case of a 37-day-old infant admitted to hospital because of persistent fever despite antimicrobial therapy. Thoracic X-ray and multislice helical CT (CT Light speed i1.6 GE) were performed with 3-dimensional and virtual endoscopy reconstructions.

RESULTS

CT showed mediastinal and hilar necrotic lymph nodes, pulmonary parenchymal involvement with miliary pattern, and multiple cavitated consolidations. Endobronchial involvement was clearly visualized by virtual endoscopy and was confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual endoscopy is a new, less invasive alternative radiological technique to fiberoptic bronchoscopy that may influence the management of patients with tuberculosis with endobronchial involvement.