Abstract
BACKGROUND: The treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, which are becoming increasingly common, is different and longer than tuberculosis. Correct diagnosis and subtyping are vital for patient management. PURPOSE: To determine the radiological findings of mycobacterial infections, detect differences, and contribute to the most accurate and rapid diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective and single-center study included a total of 264 patients diagnosed with mycobacterial lung infections, comprising 152 cases of tuberculosis and 112 cases of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. Patient demographics (age and gender), the specific subtypes of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and detailed computed tomography findings were systematically evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 45.84±16.84 (min 14, max 87). More than half of the mycobacteria infections (54.5%) were in the patient group aged 35-65. As the patient's age decreased, the incidence of tuberculosis increased, and as the patient's age increased, the incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections increased. 85.9% of patients in the <35 age group were infected with tuberculosis, and 64.3% of patients in the >65 age group were infected with non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Male patients were the majority in all mycobacteria infections, but male dominance was especially evident in non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections (p<0.001 for both). Tree-in-bud and pleural effusion were more common in tuberculosis; while cavity, bronchiectasis, and sequela fibrotic changes were more common in non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections (p<0.05). The cavitation wall was thicker in tuberculosis (p=0.015). In addition, the anterior segment of the left upper lobe was more frequently affected in tuberculosis patients (p=0.018). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to know the radiological findings well and to guide clinicians in terms of possible non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection, especially in cases resistant to treatment. Accurate differentiation between tuberculosis and non-tuberculous infections is essential, as it has a direct impact on the treatment algorithm. Multi-center studies with larger patient populations may provide additional contributions to our current knowledge.