Ultra-low-dose computed tomography for latent tuberculosis screening

A (computed tomography) CT scan has superior sensitivity for old tuberculosis related lesions compared to chest radiography in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), but clinical application of the CT scan in the screening for LTBI is hampered by a high radiation dose. Recently introduced ultra low-dose CT (ULDCT) has much improved diagnostic quality compared to chest radiography but uses a radiation dose comparable to that of a chest radiography.

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultra low dose CT for latent tuberculosis. Patients diagnosed with latent tuberculosis will undergo an ultra low dose CT scan as well as a chest radiograph. Subsequently, all images will be scored for LTBI-specific lesions by two thoracic radiologists, independently. Both radiologists are unaware of the TB status of the study patients. We hypothesize that ultra low dose CT has better accuracy for LBTI detection than chest radiography.

We hypothesize that the ultra low dose CT reveals significantly more often lesions suggestive for past tuberculosis infection compared to chest radiography

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