Pulmonary HighResolution Computed Tomography Versus Gallium Scintigraphy

Fifty-six consecutive symptomatic patients with AIDS referred for gallium scintigraphy were prospectively studied with chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Results of gallium and HRCT were correlated with findings of bronchoscopy or clinical follow-up for 1 month from time of discharge. Twenty-two patients were eventually diagnosed with at least one of the following: Pneumocystis carinii,cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium aviumcomplex, bacteria, Kaposi's sarcoma, or lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis. HRCT was more sensitive (82) and more specific (91) than gallium (59 and 75, respectively). HRCT yielded higher positive predictive values (86) and negative predictive values (88) than did gallium (62 and 73, respectively). HRCT was more helpful in guiding the method of biopsy and directing the brochoscopist to the diseased lung segment that would maximize diagnostic yield