Bronchoscopic Role in Early Detection of Endobronchial Tuberculosis in Suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients.

Bronchoscopic Role in Early Detection of Endobronchial Tuberculosis in Undiagnosed Suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of bronchoscopy in diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis in suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients whose sputum samples are negative for Ziehl Neelsen stain.

Bronchoscopy plays a major role in identification and diagnosis of EBTB. As a general principal, Bronchoscopy -associated with microbiological testing- must be performed on patients whose CT examination results indicate EBTB.

This study will try to focus on the importance of bronchoscopy in diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis among suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients who undergo fiberoptic bronchoscope after being sputum Ziehl Neelsen negative, scarce sputum and/or persistent consolidation on chest radiograph (CXR).

Inclusion Criteria:

• o Adults more than18 years.

  • Accept to participate.
  • Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients with three negative sputum samples are smear negative, and/or persistent consolidation on chest radiograph (CXR).

Exclusion Criteria:

• o Patients who refuse to participate in the study.

  • Patients who are sputum Ziehl Neelsen positive.
  • Patients who are diagnosed extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
  • Patients who are not fit for bronchoscopy.