OBSERVATION ON THE RADIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOUS CAVITIES

Chang, Pyoung Ha

doi:1964.0.17.57

Tuberc Respir Dis > Issue 17; 1964 > Article

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 1964;17:57-62.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1964.17.1.57 Published online December 1, 1964.

OBSERVATION ON THE RADIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOUS CAVITIES

Pyoung Ha Chang

Masan Railroad Hospital

Abstract

Because of the importance of accurate diagnosis of cavity formation in the management of pulmonary tuberculosis, the author in designated 468 cavities appearing on P-A films and tomograms belonging to 349 patients. An analysis was made of the X-Ray appearances of these cavities and the findings were compared with 124 cavities seen in 105 resected specimens. Results may be briefly summarized as follows: 1. 47% of cavities were found in the left lung and 53% were found in the right lung. 2. 26% cavities were definitely visualized on the P-A films and 45% of the cavities were suspected only, a total of 71% approximately thus being visible. 3. Factors affecting the P-A visibility rate were the size, pericavitary disease, localization of the cavity with regard to the clavicle and rib densities. 4. Comparing resected specimens with P-A films and tomograms taken just prior to the resections, 88% of the X-Ray readings were found to be accurate, 11% of the cavities found in the resected specimens were not seen in X-Ray films, or falsely predicted.