Abstract

Introduction: Elderly age group is one of the risk factor for tuberculosis. The presentation of tuberculosis in elderly may vary at times from young adults. Such atypical presentation may delay the diagnosis in elderly patients. Aim of the study is to compare the clinico-radiological pattern of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis in the adults (18-50 years) and elderly (> 50 years). Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out on all new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the Department of pulmonary medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai. Results: Males are predominantly affected in both the groups. Loss of appetite, loss of weight, breathlessness and chest pain, were more frequently reported in the elderly group (age > 50 years) whereas haemoptysis was found significantly higher in younger patients group. Bacillary load was higher in elderly. Radiologically bilateral involvement, lower zone predominance and far advanced disease were noted in elderly. Conclusion: Elderly patients with tuberculosis have more atypical clinico radiological presentation. A high degree of suspicion need be maintained by the physician to aid early diagnosis of tuberculosis in the elderly.

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