To review the spectrum of CT findings of abdominal tuberculosis and to differentiate this condition from those it may mimic.

Tuberculosis is one of theleading causes of death and illness in the world, remaining a healthcare challenge. The abdomen is the most common extra-pulmonary site of infection, accounting for 4-9% of cases, with the solid viscera being affected more often than the gastrointestinal tract. Abdominal tuberculosis can be asymptomatic or cause non-specific symptoms such as weight loss, fever or abdominal pain. In the abdomen, tuberculosis tends to be more often found and disseminated in immunosuppressed patients, namely with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Abdominal tuberculosis can...

The CT findings of abdominal tuberculosis are frequently related to caseous necrosis, which is the hallmark of this disease. However, depending on the involved organ, tuberculous lesions can mimic other diseases - both neoplasticand non-neoplastic - such as lymphoma, leukemia, metastasis, sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis or pyogenic infections. Although a positive culture or histologic analysis of biopsy specimens are still required in many patients to yield the definitive diagnosis, recognition and understanding the spectrum of imaging features of abdominal tuberculosis can aid in establishing the diagnosis. The...

The CT findings of abdominal tuberculosis may mimic those of several other abdominal conditions. Knowledge of its wide spectrum of appearances should alert the radiologist to consider that diagnosis, especially among high-risk patients.

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