Still the great mimicker: abdominal tuberculosis

Abstract

Since the mid 1980s, a resurgence of tuberculosis has occurred. The disease is and will remain a serious public health threat worldwide. The clinical and radiologic features of abdominal tuberculosis may mimic those of many diseases. Radiologists evaluating abdominal images should consider the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis in immigrants from areas endemic for tuberculosis, in immunocompromised patients, and in high-risk patients such as the homeless. Imaging features that suggest the correct diagnosis are cecal amputation, ileocecal thickening and inflammation, shortening of the ascending colon, gaping of the ileocecal valve, mesenteric adenopathy, a misty mesentery, diffuse omental infiltration, loculate high-density ascites, an enhancing peritoneum with or without an omental line, nodularity of the surface of the mesenteric leaves, and transperitoneal permeation.