Imaging of infra-thoracic tuberculosis

Br J Radiol. 2024 Feb 28;97(1155):492-504. doi: 10.1093/bjr/tqad051.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially curable disease that is a leading cause of death globally. While it typically affects the lungs, this disease may involve many extra-pulmonary sites, particularly in patients with risk factors. Extra-pulmonary TB often mimics a variety of different diseases, posing a diagnostic dilemma. Imaging aids in early diagnosis of TB, especially in patients with non-specific or atypical symptoms found at extra-pulmonary infra-thoracic locations. Imaging also helps guide appropriate laboratory investigation, monitor disease progress, and response to treatment. This review aims to highlight the imaging spectrum of TB affecting the infra-thoracic region, that is, gastrointestinal tract, abdominal lymph nodes, peritoneal cavity, intra-abdominal solid organs, and urogenital system.

Keywords: gastrointestinal tuberculosis; infra-thoracic tuberculosis; peritoneal tuberculosis; tuberculosis; tuberculous lymphadenopathy; urogenital tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / pathology
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node* / pathology