[Computed tomography in the diagnosis and classification of tuberculosis of intrathoracic lymph nodes].

Six hundred and seventy-six children suffering from tuberculosis and infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) were examined. The specific features of the involvement of intrathoracic lymph nodes (ITLN), their extent, site localization, size, structure, and secondary changes in the adjacent tissues were identified. A computed tomographic (CT) classification of ITLN was proposed. The types of ITLN were identified; these were severe adenopathy, mild adenopathy, and micropolyadenopathy. ITLN that were less than 5-mm, multiple, soft tissue, homogeneous in a child with Mycobacterium-infected tuberculosis were regarded an objective reflection of insidious tuberculosis infection. There is evidence for the necessity of making a CT study of children with tuberculosis and those infected with MBT as an absolutely indicated X-ray technique.