ABSTRACT
To assess role of CT in diagnostic workup of abdominal tuberculosis. In this descriptive study, through electronic database, out of 7000 CT abdomens performed between January, 2002 to August, 2013, 30 patients with suggestion of Abdominal TB based upon CT and clinical findings were identified. Out of these 30 cases, twenty one patients were confirmed to have abdominal TB based upon histopathological data and response to anti tuberculous treatment and were included in the study and the remaining 9 patients were excluded from the study. Out of 21 confirmed abdominal TB cases, majority [n=13] were females. Peritoneal involvement was the most common feature seen in all 21 [100%] patients. Smudgy pattern, with or without smooth marginal enhancement, was the most commonly seen pattern of peritoneal involvement. Wet peritonitis [peritonitis with ascites] was seen in 14 [66%] out of 21 patients while dry peritonitis was seen in 7 [34%] patients. Lymphadenopathy was the second most common feature seen in 13 [62%] out of 21 patients. Bowel involvement was demonstrated in 11[52%] patients. Ileocecal region was the commonest site of bowel involvement seen in 7 of these 11 patients. Liver lesions were observed in 2 patients and splenic and pancreatic lesions were identified in 1 patient each. Smudgy pattern of peritoneal involvement, enlarged necrotic abdominal lymph nodes, high density ascites and ileocecal involvement are the most common abnormalities seen in patients of abdominal tuberculosis in our local population.