Abdominal tuberculosis: a radiological review with emphasis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Tuberculosis is a disease whose incidence has increased principally as a consequence of HIV infection and use of immunosuppressive drugs. The abdomen is the most common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It may be confused with several different conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and other infectious diseases. Delay in the diagnosis may result in significantly increased morbidity, and therefore an early recognition of the condition is essential for proper treatment. In the present essay, cases with confirmed diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis were assessed by means of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, demonstrating the involvement of different organs and systems, and presentations which frequently lead radiologists to a diagnostic dilemma. A brief literature review was focused on imaging findings and their respective prevalence.

Keywords:
Tuberculosis; Abdomen; Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging

Authorship

Eduardo Lima da Rocha

MDs, Radiologists at Unit of Abdomen, Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Universidade Federal de São PauloBrazilSão Paulo, SP, BrazilMDs, Radiologists at Unit of Abdomen, Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Bruno Cheregati Pedrassa

Renata Lilian Bormann

Marcelo Longo Kierszenbaum

Lucas Rios Torres

Fellow, Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Universidade Federal de São PauloBrazilSão Paulo, SP, BrazilFellow, Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Giuseppe D’Ippolito Mailing Address: Dr. Giuseppe D’Ippolito. Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imagem – EPM-Unifesp. Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800, Vila Clementino. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 04024-012. E-mail: giuseppe_dr@uol.com.br.

Professor at Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Universidade Federal de São PauloBrazilSão Paulo, SP, BrazilProfessor at Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Mailing Address: Dr. Giuseppe D’Ippolito. Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imagem – EPM-Unifesp. Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800, Vila Clementino. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 04024-012. E-mail: giuseppe_dr@uol.com.br.

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Abdominal tuberculosis: a radiological review with emphasis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings* * Study developed at Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Abstract

Abdominal tuberculosis: a radiological review with emphasis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings^* * Study developed at Department of Imaging Diagnosis – Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.