Abdominal tuberculosis: imaging features.
Radiological findings of abdominal tuberculosis can mimic those of many different diseases. A high level of suspicion is required, especially in high-risk population. In this article, we will describe barium studies, ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) findings of abdominal tuberculosis (TB), with emphasis in the latest. We will illustrate CT findings that can help in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis and describe imaging features that differentiate it from other inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, particularly lymphoma and Crohn's disease. As tuberculosis can affect any organ in the abdomen, emphasis is placed to ileocecal involvement, lymphadenopathy, peritonitis and solid organ disease (liver, spleen and pancreas). A positive culture or hystologic analysis of biopsy is still required in many patients for definitive diagnosis.
Pereira
José M
JM
Department of Radiology, Hospital de S. João, Porto, Portugal. jmpjesus@yahoo.com
Madureira
Antonio J
AJ
Vieira
Alberto
A
Ramos
Isabel
I
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014385:Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014386:Tuberculosis, Hepatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014400:Tuberculosis, Splenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography