Clinical and bronchoscopic features of simple endobronchial tuberculosis

Objective To explore the clinical and bronchoscopic features of simple endobronchial tuberculosis.Methods Clinical symptoms,chest X--ay/CT manifestations and bronchoscopic findings of 66 cases with simple endobronchinal tuberculosis were retrospectively investigated.Results Main symptoms were as follows:cough,sputum production,fever,haemoptysis,and dyspnea.Clinical signs included localized rhonchi,decreased breath sounds,wheeze. Roentgenographic appearance were atelectasis in 31(47%) and mass lesion in 19 (28.6%).16 patients (24.2%) had clear lung fields. Under fiberobronchoscope,exudative lesions in 16 (24.2%),ulceration lesions in 25 (37.9%),granulomatous lesions in 17 (25.8%),and cicatricial lesions in 8 (12.1%). The successful detection rate of biopsy and brushing smear were 62.7% and 74.6% respectively.Conclusion The clinical manifestations and roentgenographic appearances of simple endobronchial tuberculosis are not specific. So bronchoscopy is mandatory for the prompt diagnosis,and bronchial biopsy and brushing smear examination for acid-fast bacillus are beneficial to rapid and definite diagnosis.