Role of digital tomosynthesis in the context of tuberculosis contact investigation: comparisons with digital radiography

Background Chest radiography value as a screening tool in those exposed to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is reduced by its lower sensitivity to detect small intrapulmonary lesions. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) screening of individuals that had contacted persons with active TB using low-dose computed tomography (CT) as the reference standard methods. Material and Methods This retrospective, community-based screening study of 90 adults who had been in close contact with a TB case was undertaken at our institution. All individuals underwent clinical evaluation, digital radiography (DR), DTS, and low-dose chest CT. Observers assessed and classified DR and DTS images using CT as the reference-standard method. Based on clinical and imaging findings, TB status was classified as normal, latent, minimal, subclinical, and active. Diagnostic performances of DTS and DR for the interpretation of correct diagnosis were calculated. Results The estimated effective doses for DR, DTS, and low-dose CT were 0.01 mSv, 0.1 mSv, and 0.33 mSv, respectively. TB statuses of the 90 individuals were as follows: 62 latent (68.9%); two subclinical (2.2%); and one minimal (1.1%). The sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of DTS and DR in the interpretation of correct diagnosis were 75.8%, 100%, 91.1% and 48.5%, 96.5%, 78.9%, respectively. Conclusion DTS appears to be superior to DR for the detection of lung lesions in individuals with TB contacts. DTS can offer a reasonable option for TB contact investigation.

Automated summary

The study suggests that digital tomosynthesis (DTS) is more effective than digital radiography (DR) for screening individuals who have been in contact with active pulmonary tuberculosis cases. DTS provides a reasonable option for detecting lung lesions in TB contacts.