Reactivation of tuberculosis: a problem of aging.

Six examples demonstrate the reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis in elderly patients. In 3 cases the tuberculosis became reactivated 25, 47 and 51 years respectively after the initial diagnosis. In aged patients with pulmonary symptoms and abnormal x-ray findings, the presence of reactivated tuberculosis should always be considered. Sometimes steroid or x-ray therapy for other disease may be the reactivating factor.