How long does it take for cavitary tuberculosis to close?

  The time of closure of cavitary TB is related to the patient’s early diagnosis and treatment efficacy.  If patients seek medical attention as early as possible, the cavity can be gradually replaced by fibrous matrix and calcium deposits and closed after active and effective anti-tuberculosis treatment, which takes about 2-4 weeks. If the patient is seen late, or if the patient develops drug resistance during treatment, inflammation of the cavity wall can persist, resulting in a delayed cavity closure and the need for surgical intervention.  In addition, cavitary tuberculosis is an open cavity that is highly contagious and such patients should be treated effectively in isolation to avoid transmission to others.