CLINICAL FEATURES OF SMEAR-NEGATIVE PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS RELAPSES

The aim was to analyze clinical and radiographic features of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis relapses. Material and methods. We analyzed clinical and radiographic features of 156 pulmonary tuberculosis relapses. Results. It was found out that clinical and radiographic manifestations of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis relapses are quite marked: high level of destructive processes (39.5%), spread of disease to both lungs (15.8%) marked broncho-pulmonary and intoxication syndrome in 34 % of patients. In addition, patients with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis relapses have poor treatment results in case of the standard treatment regimen.