The radiological presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis in children.

The children in this study had evidence of severe pulmonary disease when they were first radiographed. More than one segment, lobe or even lung was frequently involved and more than one type of lesion was often present in a patient. The right lung was more often affected. Segmental consolidation was common. Cavitary disease was particularly evident in children less than 3 years of age and many had extrapulmonary dissemination. Pleural effusions, calcification, and the acinar opacities of bronchogenic spread, were common in older children.