Which statement best defines miliary tuberculosis?

Which statement best defines miliary tuberculosis?

• A. Localized cavitation in the upper lobes
• B. Widespread pleural effusions
• C. Hematogenous dissemination causing numerous tiny nodules throughout the lungs
• D. Single-lobe consolidation

Answer: (C)

Miliary tuberculosis is defined by hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to numerous tiny nodules scattered throughout both lungs (and often other organs). The term comes from the appearance of these lesions, which resemble millet seeds. This disseminated pattern contrasts with localized TB forms, such as a single cavity in the upper lobes seen in reactivation TB, or a lobar consolidation seen with bacterial pneumonia. Pleural effusion can occur in TB but is not the defining feature of miliary TB, and a single-lobe consolidation is not characteristic of this disseminated form. So the description of widespread tiny nodules throughout the lungs faithfully captures the hallmark of miliary TB.

Miliary tuberculosis is defined by hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to numerous tiny nodules scattered throughout both lungs (and often other organs). The term comes from the appearance of these lesions, which resemble millet seeds. This disseminated pattern contrasts with localized TB forms, such as a single cavity in the upper lobes seen in reactivation TB, or a lobar consolidation seen with bacterial pneumonia. Pleural effusion can occur in TB but is not the defining feature of miliary TB, and a single-lobe consolidation is not characteristic of this disseminated form. So the description of widespread tiny nodules throughout the lungs faithfully captures the hallmark of miliary TB.