Thoracic CT Scan Findings in Patients with HIV/TB co-infection before and after treatment

Background and Aim: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) infection is common in patients infected with the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, we evaluated thoracic CT scan findings of HIV/TB co-infection, before and after anti-TB treatment. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, pre-and post-treatment thoracic CT scans of patients diagnosed with HIV and definite pulmonary TB infection were evaluated. Results: A total of 101 patients (64 male, 37 female, mean age of 43±3.4) were included. The most common findings before treatment of TB were mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy with hypodense center (41.58%) and free pleural effusion (32.67%). The prevalence of these findings decreased to half after anti-TB treatment (P= 0.009 and P= 0.003 respectively). Loculated pleural effusion showed increased prevalence after treatment (P= 0.031) with no significant change in the prevalence of bronchiectasis, solitary pulmonary nodule, and lymphadenopathy without a hypodense center. Conclusion: The most prevalent thoracic CT scan findings in patients with HIV/TB co-infection before anti-TB treatment were lymphadenopathy with the hypodense center, pleural effusion, and ground-glass opacities. After treatment, numerous changes in imaging manifestations might be seen. The remaining residual CT scan findings (including bronchiectasis, lymphadenopathy with a hypodense center, and solitary pulmonary nodule) require more attention for accurate interpretation of thoracic CT scans in HIV patients.