CT Findings of Abdominal Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT features of abdominal tuberculosis by the pattern anaylsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrosepctively reviewed the CT findings of confirmed abdominal tuberculosis in 16 patients. Of the 16 patients, 1 was man and the remaining 15 were women with an average age of 34.1 years and the highest incidence in the twenties of age. Intravenous and oral contrast agents were used in all patients. The amount and location of ascites and the changes in the omenturn, mesentery, bowel wall, and peritoneum were analyzed. The morphologic feature, size and main compartment of involvement were also evaluated in the cases with lymphadenopathy as well as other changes in intraabdominal organs. RESULTS: The abdominal tuberculosis was more common in the female(15/16, 93.8%) and could be classified into 3 patterns on their CT findings;Complex ascitic, lymphadenopathy, or abscess forms. The complex ascitic form(10/16, 62.5%) was most commonly seen and characterized by uneven distribution and Ioculation of intraperitoneal fluid collection and marked changes of the omenturn and mesentery. The lymphadenopathy form(3/16, 18.8%) was characterized by central low density and peripheral rim enhancement on postcontrast CT with common involvements of porta hepatis and upper abdominal and paraaortic lymph nodes. The abscess form(3/16, 18.8%) was mainly related to the pelvic abscesses. CONCLUSION: CT was valuable in analyzing the patterns of the lesions and making a diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis.