Learning objectives
To review the multisystemic involvement of tuberculosis,
To illustrate imaging findings of gastrointestinal,
pulmonary,
vascular,
skeletal and central nervous system tuberculosis,
To explain how radiologists can distinguish tuberculosis from other entities.
Background
Tuberculosis is a serious disease,
especially in endemic countries.
However,
there has also been an increase in the prevalence in Europe.
The etiologic agent of the majority of tuberculosis cases is Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Risk factors for tuberculosis are immunodeficiency,
diabetes,
alcohol,
malnutrition,
and smoking [1].
Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most frequent form.
The infection usually spreads from lungs via the hematogenous pathway and consequently tuberculosis may present extrapulmonary sites (e.g.
central nervous,
musculoskeletal,
gastrointestinal,
and genitourinary systems).
Imaging techniques are helpful to assess the multisystemic...
Findings and procedure details
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis can present as three types; primary,
postprimary (reactivation),
and miliary [2].
It is not always clear to differentiate between primary and postprimary tuberculosis.
However,
considering the findings associated with tuberculosis is more important than differentiation between tuberculosis types.
Primary tuberculosis
Primary tuberculosis is the term used for patients not previously exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
It occurs most commonly in infants,
children under five years of age and immunocompromised patients. The radiological findings are demonstrated with lymphadenopathy,
pulmonary consolidation,
and pleural effusion....
Conclusion
Clinicians and radiologists may encounter some problems during recognizing tuberculosis which is a great mimicker of many diseases.
A clinical suspicion and familiarity with both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary system involvement of tuberculosis provide early diagnosis and prevent the spreading of the disease and complications.
Personal information
Fatma Ceren Sarioglu,
MD
Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Radiology,
Izmir,
Turkey
Hilal Sahin,
MD
Tepecik Training and Research Hospital,
Department of Radiology,
Izmir,
Turkey
Yeliz Pekcevik,
MD
Tepecik Training and Research Hospital,
Department of Radiology,
Izmir,
Turkey
Asli Irmak Biranci,
MD
Tepecik Training and Research Hospital,
Department of Radiology,
Izmir,
Turkey
Orkun Sarioglu,
MD
Tepecik Training and Research Hospital,
Department of Radiology,
Izmir,
Turkey
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