miliary TB

hematogenous dissemination of TB to lungs

"millet seeds": myriad small nodules
upper lobe predilection
may be chronic and progressive:
- nodules of varying size
- DDx: hematogenous mets (lower lobes)
CXR findings not seen until 6+ wks after dissemination
resolves more rapidly with Rx than air-borne disease

Charles E. Kahn, Jr., MD - 2 February 1995
Last updated: 1 October 2013