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infection of the lungs by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The usual course of untreated disease is tuberculous pneumonia, formation of granulation tissue, caseation, calcification, and cavity formation. It may spread to other lung segments via the bronchi, or to other organs via the blood or lymph vessels. Symptoms may include weight loss, lassitude and fatigue, night sweats, and wasting, with purulent sputum, hemoptysis, and chest pain. See also primary t. and postprimary t. Called also t. of lungs.
Pulmonary tuberculosis. (A), Frontal view chest radiograph showing extensive tuberculosis that resulted in respiratory failure. (B), Detail view of tubercle, characterized by caseation (arrow) surrounded by epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells.
Medical dictionary. 2011.