Application of Modern Immunological Tests and X-Ray Methods in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis of the Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes in Children

Abstract

This study helped to ascertain the superiority of Diaskintest® (DST) with respect to the wealth of information it provides when compared with the Mantoux test with PPD 2 TU (M2) in determining the activity of tuberculosis infection in children. The evaluation parameters of diagnostic value with DST (DE=77.5%, NPV=72.4%, PPV=91.1%) were significantly higher than with M2x test 2TU (DE=57.2%, NPV=47.6%, PPV=53.2%). On positive testing with Diaskintest®, Tuberculosis of Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes (TITLN) showed nodes larger than 0.5 cm, which was determined in 80.4% and could be estimated as minor manifestations of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy against the background of the high activity of tuberculosis infection. Diaskintest® and X-ray methods are mandatory in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children. This is absolutely necessary to adequately assess the child’s condition and provide timely administration of disease specific therapy.

Keywords

• tuberculosis
• children
• Diaskintest®
• QuantiFERON-TB test
• computed tomography
• diagnostic.