Evolution and radiologic sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis

: During the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, the radiologist is often asked the following questions: 1) is it really TB?; 2) is there any improvement?; 3) when is the X-ray check-up required?. In our opinion, the radiologist is in a position: 1) to confirm the diagnosis of TB; 2) to give a radiological diagnosis of "abnormality" but without a prognostic opinion; 3) to suggest, case by case, when the X-ray check-up is required. After some month or years, when radiological-clinical sequelae are present, the radiologist is often asked equally difficult questions: 1) is it still TB?; 2) is it still active?; 3) could it have caused the hemoptysis?. Again, in our opinion, the radiologist must bear in mind: 1) the not infrequent possibility of reinfections; 2) that the fine, smooth contour of the cavity, whose shape remains unchanged, does not necessarily signify absence of activity; 3) that, at the present time, other illnesses (bronchitis, bronchiectasis, lung cancer) are more frequently the cause of hemoptysis.