Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of abdominal tuberculosis: a new take on an old disease

Abstract

Abdominal tuberculosis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries also re-emerging in western world due to the AIDS epidemic and population migration. Large proportion of the patients are young and hence radiation exposure is of concern. In addition, in some patients, contrast may be contraindicated or repeat studies may be required, where MR especially DWI may be useful. The aim of the study is to describe MRI features in abdominal tuberculosis including DWI in the involved bowel, lymphadenopathy, omental, and peritoneal thickening. Nodes being especially easy to appreciate on DWI, thus DWI in conjunction with routine noncontrast MR sequence can be useful technique to identify abdominal tubercular lesions in patients with contraindication to contrast.

Keywords: Diffusion-weighted MRI; Gastrointestinal; Lymph node; Tuberculosis.