Abstract:

Objective: To investigate computed tomography (CT) features of inactive and active tuberculous pleurisy. Methods: A total of 68 patients with pure inactive tuberculous pleurisy admitted to Beijing Chest Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from June 1, 2012 to March 30, 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, and compared with the CT findings of 44 patients with active tuberculous pleurisy during the same period. Results: (1)The CT findings of inactive tuberculous pleurisy (68 cases):pleural adhesion 62 cases (91.2%), pleural calcification was 28 cases (41.2%), interlobular fissure involvment in 22 cases (32.4%), pleural effusion 12 cases (17.6%), and encapsulated effusion 8 cases (11.8%). (2)The CT findings of active tuberculous 44 cases: pleural adhesion 30 cases (68.2%), no pleural calcification was observed, pleurisy interlobular fissure involvement 32 cases (72.7%), pleural effusion 43 cases (97.7%),and encapsulated effusion 26 cases (59.1%). (3) Comparison of CT scan images of inactive and active tuberculous pleurisy: the incidence of pleural adhesion and pleural calcification were higher, with statistical significance (χ²=9.630,P=0.002;χ²=23.737,P=0.000, respectively); the incidence of interlobar fissure involvement, pleural effusion and encapsulated pleural effusion was lower, and the differences were statistically significant (χ²=12.692,P=0.000;χ²=68.548,P=0.000;χ²=28.301,P=0.000,respectively). Conclusion: In comparison of CT scan images of inactive and active tuberculous pleurisy,the incidence of pleural adhesion and pleural calcification of inactive tuberculous pleurisy was higher but the incidence of pleural effusion, encapsulated effusion, and interlobar fissure involvement was lower. The identification of CT scan features of inactive and active tuberculous pleurisy is helpful to guide clinical treatment of patients.

Key words: Tuberculosis,pleurisy, Tomography,X-ray computer, Comparative study