Abstract

Tuberculosis is an excellent simulator and can mimic virtually any disease. Clinically, it has been divided into primary and post-primary tuberculosis. Primary tuberculosis usually refers to patients not previously exposed to M. tuberculosis. Primary tuberculosis is more frequent in children, with its highest prevalence in children under five years, although the frequency of primary forms in adults is increasing. The primary disease has four main presentations at imaging: chest lymphadenopathy, pneumonia, miliary disease, and pleural effusion. Post-primary TB (also known as reactivation or secondary TB) most commonly involves the lungs in the apical and posterior segments of the upper lobes and the apical segment of the lower lobes. Initially, there are parenchymal consolidations, that if they are not diagnosed and treated, usually progress to necrosis and cavitation. Unilateral lung destruction is a serious complication of pulmonary TB that occurs in chronic advanced cases. Although TB is mostly limited to the lungs, it can happen in any other tissue or organ, especially in the immunocompromised host.