2nd opinion

[rhea08]

To Dr. Fernando Roque;

regarding to the case of my friend, we went for a pulmonologist for 2nd opinion, what he did was he let my friend undergo PA X-ray, Apicolordotic View then sputum exam,,result of X-ray states:

There is a patch of irregular density in the pheripiral aspect of the upper lobe seen at the area of the 4th anterior intercostal space.Ill defined and hazy densiies are also observed in the right apex.Both of these densities are clearly visualizaed in the apicolordotic view.

Conclusion:
Inflammatory process in both upper lobes. Consider PTB. Please correlate with other clinical parameters.

What does it mean?Does it mean he s\has PTB?

In his sputum it states that: no fast acid stain bacilli seen..pls enlighten us. thanx!

[aniloid]

how acute if our lungs have a hole already that causes PTB?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  As I have mentioned in an earlier post, the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is made based on the presence of symptoms (chronic cough of at least two weeks duration, fever, night sweats or weight loss) and a positive result in sputum microscopy or culture.  PTB is not diagnosed from chest x-ray findings ALONE.  Your friend's x-ray results stating the presence of "irregular densities" in the upper lobes SUGGESTS a diagnosis of PTB, but this is NOT A DEFINITIVE diagnosis.  If your friend has chronic cough, intermittent low grade fever or weight loss,  these symptoms, together with the positive x-ray result would make the doctor say that there is a high probability that your friend has PTB, even if the sputum exam turns out negative.  If your friend does not have any other symptoms and has a negative sputum exam, this places the diagnosis of PTB IN DOUBT, even if densities are seen on chest x-ray.