To treat or not to treat tuberculosis -clinical decision making in patients with previous pulmonary tuberculosis using 18F-FDG PET/CT

Post-tuberculosis (TB) radiological changes and symptoms can mimic TB. PCR-based diagnostic tests can show positive results, suggesting the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in the absence of viable bacteria. We present a case with two episodes of previous TB. Despite workup including trace to low positive PCR results, after performing sputum analysis, bronchoalveolar lavage analysis, cyto-brush and 18F-FDG PET/CT guided transthoracic biopsy, no culturable mycobacteria were detected. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed a high metabolic activity of the biopsied lesions. More accurate strategies and tools in patients with previous TB and positive PCR results are required to make appropriate treatment decisions.