We describe a retrospective review of all the thoracic computed tomogr
aphy (CT) scans performed on British Asian patients at New Cross Hospi
tal, Wolverhampton between January 1989 and April 1992. 39 patients we
re studied. Of 15 patients with active tuberculosis (TB), 14 showed me
diastinal lymphadenopathy. In nine of these 15 patients this adenopath
y was the only positive imaging finding, as neither lung parenchymal n
or pleural abnormalities were detected on CT or plain chest radiograph
(CXR). The patterns of node distribution and enhancement following in
travenous contrast are described. We conclude that thoracic CT is usef
ul in Asian or other high risk patients in whom active TB is suspected
, but who lack definitive microbiological or CXR proof of diagnosis.