Analysis of Radiographic Patterns and Associated Co-Morbidities in Newly Diagnosed Sputum-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Adult Population of Either Gender in a Tertiary Care Centre Hapur Uttar Pradesh

Background Pulmonary tuberculosis often results in notable chest radiographic abnormalities. Older adults and individuals with existing co-morbid conditions are especially susceptible to developing more severe forms of TB. This study explores the impact of age and co- morbidities on the radiographic presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis.  Objective To evaluate the chest radiographic features and associated co-morbidities in adults over 18 years of age who have recently been diagnosed with sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis.  Materials & Method: An observational study was carried out involving 70 adults newly diagnosed with sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. The study documented both chest radiographic abnormalities and associated co- morbidities.  Results: The study comprised 70 individuals who had recently received a diagnosis of sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis. The mean age of study population was 49.64 years and majority of patients were male (61.4%) and rest (38.6%) were female. Of the radiological lesion seen on chest x-rays, the most prevalent ones were patchy infiltrates (82.9%). Radiological findings of infiltration and cavitation were found to be the most in recently diagnosed sputum- positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Most common comorbidity associated with pulmonary tuberculosis was Diabetes Mellitus. Bilateral lesion on chest radiology in sputum positive PTB was commonly seen in patients with Diabetes Mellitus.  Conclusion: Our investigation revealed that newly diagnosed sputum positive PTB patients often exhibited chest X-ray abnormalities such as infiltration, cavitary lesions, and comorbidities such diabetes and anemia. This study also demonstrates that elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis had a greater incidence of comorbidities and unusual radiological findings. Therefore, it is completely justified to maintain a high level of suspicion for tuberculosis in the aged population.