CLINICORADIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF POSTTUBERCULOSIS LUNG DISEASE: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDORE, MADHYA PRADESH

Aims And Background: Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge,particularly in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Post-tubercular lung disease (PTLD) is characterized by chronic respiratory abnormalities linked to previous tuberculosis leading to structural and functional impairments in the lungs.Historically,PTLD has been underestimated as a cause of chronic lung illness.However, recent data highlight the significant burden and long-term health challenges faced by TB survivors,including increased mortality rates.This study examines the clinic-radiological aspects of PTLD in a high TB burden country like India.Materials And Methods: It was a single centre observational study at a tertiary care centre in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. After applying the inclusion criteria and obtaining informed consent data was collected from 120 patients including demographics,clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and radiological changes. Dyspnoea severity was assessed with the mMRC scale, and functional impairment was measured using the 6-minute walk test. Results: Out of the 120 cohort mean age was 47.4 years with 55.8% male. Common symptoms included cough (86.7%) and shortness of breath (80%) followed by haemoptysis and chest pain. Most common radiological changes were fibrosis (90%) and bronchiectasis (60%), cicatrisation/volume loss (55.8%) and calcifications (43.3%). Moderate to severe PH was linked to higher dyspnoea scores and significant desaturation post-6MWT. Conclusion: Research on post-tubercular lung disease (PTLD) is vital due to its lasting impact,causing chronic respiratory issues,lung damage,and decreased quality of life.Understanding PTLD aids in improving rehabilitation,treatment protocols,and public health policies to mitigate TB's long-term effects.