US and CT findings in the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis

Acta Radiol. 1996 Jul;37(4):517-20. doi: 10.1177/02841851960373P217.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the ultrasonographic and CT findings of tuberculous peritonitis.

Material and methods: Ultrasonographic and CT findings of 11 patients with the ascitic type of tuberculous peritonitis were reviewed.

Results: All patients had ascites, and ultrasonography (US) demonstrated fine complete and incomplete mobile septations in 10 patients. In 5 of them, the ascites had a lattice-like appearance. Diffuse regular peritoneal thickening was detected in all patients by CT and in 10 patients by US. CT demonstrated infiltration of the greater omentum in 9 patients, whereas US showed omental thickening in only 5 patients.

Conclusion: Peritoneal and omental thickening detected by CT and ascites with fine, mobile septations shown by US strongly suggest the ascitic type of tuberculous peritonitis. The 2 imaging modalities should be used together for accurate diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / diagnostic imaging
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ascites / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritonitis, Tuberculous / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography