Need Advice on Chest X Ray

[anu001]

My sister is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis that causing her stiffness and pain in her hand & feet(specially fingers). She had tuberculosis history in 2003-2004 from which she recovered at that time through DOT treatment. From last 2-3 months she started having breathing problem while walking. FYI...my sister current condition is very weak...her weight is 48kg & age is 35.

Given below is her Chest X Ray Report comments dated 21-may-2011:

1. Lung volumes appear reduced with significant perivascular thickening & nodularity; bilateral apical pleural thickening noted with suspicion of cavity in left upper lobe.

2. Right paratracheal stripe is thickened ? lymphadenopathy

3. No significant consolidation seen

4. Bilateral hila appear normal

5. Left CP angle is blunted.....pleeural thickening? effusion

6. Right CP angle is clear

7. Cardiothoracic ratio is WNL

8. Bony cagge appears normal

Request you to please advise on her report and provide your guidance for treatment.

Thanks a lot....Raj

[bsmsl]

Hello,

The potential for a pleural effusion needs to be looked into with more depth and treated as necessary.  This can cause a collapsed lung if not treated and very well could be the cause of her breathing problems.

Take care and God bless.

[caregiver222]

She has some damage secondary to the tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is never completely cured. It only goes into remission, hiding in various areas of the bidy, not necessarily the lungs. At times a firbrosis develops, spreading and reducing plasticity, which compromising the surface area of the lung. Your question should be addressed to the pulmonary specialist who is monitoring her treatment. There is no "right" answer. On a short-term basis, a steroid, such as prednisone is often administered. Albuterol sulfate and inhaled medications such as formaterol fumarate may help. There are many other areas of her medical history you have not addressed. Rule out a cardiac etiology, for example. Sometimes a person can have two, or even three things going on at the same time.