Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Infection, Diagnostic procedure, Ultrasound, MR, CT, Abdomen
Authors:
E. Rosado, D. Penha, P. Paixao, A. M. D. Costa; Amadora/PT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-0549
Conclusion
Determining the correct diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis remains challenging and requires a high suspicion index.
The clinical and imaging features are unspecific and may mimic many different diseases.
Even though,
obtaining a definite diagnosis is crucial,
as untreated disease has a high mortality rate.
Although there are no pathognomonic imaging findings,
features that suggest abdominal tuberculosis include thickening of the terminal ileum,
cecum and ileocecal valve,
smooth peritoneal thickening,
misty mesentery with necrotic enlarged lymph nodes and free or loculated ascites with debris and septa.
Additional thoracic findings may be helpful,
raising the suspicion of tuberculosis.
For definitive diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis microbiological or histological proof should be obtained.