Chest ultrasound patterns in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with and without HIV

Context Chest ultrasound has a complementary role in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). It can detect lesion especially in pleural and subpleural area. Aim To assess chest ultrasound findings in patients with PTB with and without HIV. Settings and design This was a prospective comparative cross-sectional study that was conducted in Abbassia Chest Hospital from November 2017 to November 2018. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 50 new patients with PTB sputum positive by acid-fast bacilli or genexpert. They were classified into two groups: group I, with 25 HIV-negative patients, group II, with 25 HIV-positive patients. All patients underwent routine laboratory investigations, chest radiography, and chest and abdominal ultrasound. Statistical analysis The analysis of comparison between the two groups regarding chest ultrasound findings was done using SPSS statistical package. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding chest ultrasound findings. The most frequent finding was subpleural nodules. It is present in all patients. Shred sign was present in 84% of both groups. Subpleural consolidation was present in all patients in group I and 88% of group II. Pleural effusion was present in 20% of group I and 28% of group II. Stratosphere sign and lung point were present in 8% of group II. Cavitation was present in 8% of group I. In both groups, A profile was present in 12%, B profile in 44%, and AB profile in 44%. Conclusion There was no significant difference between patients with PTB with and without HIV regarding chest ultrasound findings. Chest ultrasound is a complementary tool in patients with TB with and without HIV.