These are markers of tuberculous lung infection. They in themselves do not exclude active tuberculosis.

Pathophysiology:  The initial non hyperimmune tuberculous pneumonia is in the lower 2/3 of the lungs, which are the most ventilated.  The initial site of infection (eg. granuloma - may calcify) and the associated regional hilar adenopathy (may also calcify) form the Ghon/Ranke complex.

CXR Findings:

1. peripheral lung nodule often with benign calcifications
2. regional ipsilateral node(s) which may calcify

"Aunt Sophies":

1. other granulomatous infection, especially fungal infections
2. tumor with ipsilateral adenopathy
3. other focal pneumonias with ipsilateral adenopathy (rare as these are rarely focal or nodular and generally do not calcify): eg. tularemia, anthrax, brucellosis, nocardia, Ebstein-Barr pneumonia
4. treated lung cancer or lymphoma with dystrophic calcification