Published online Oct 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14831
Revised: March 16, 2014
Accepted: June 14, 2014
Published online: October 28, 2014
Abdominal tuberculosis is an increasingly common disease that poses diagnostic challenge, as the nonspecific features of the disease which may lead to diagnostic delays and development of complications. This condition is regarded as a great mimicker of other abdominal pathology. A high index of suspicion is an important factor in early diagnosis. Abdominal involvement may occur in the gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, lymphnodes or solid viscera. Various investigative methods have been used to aid in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and initiation of antituberculous therapy and surgical treatment are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality. Most of the patients respond very well to standard antitubercular therapy and surgery is required only in a minority of cases. Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis because early recognition of this condition is important. We reviewed our experience with the findings on various imaging modalities for diagnosis of this potentially treatable disease.
Core tip: Tuberculosis has become a resurgent global problem with increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients, largely related to the global acquired immunodeficiency syndrome pandemic. The spread of the disease is further aided by poverty, overcrowding, and drug resistance. Abdominal tuberculosis rates are rising, consistent with the overall trend. Nonspecific features of the abdominal tuberculosis result in difficulty in establishing a diagnosis. After a diagnosis has been established, prompt initiation of treatment helps prevent morbidity and mortality as it is a treatable disease. This article should alert the clinician to consider abdominal tuberculosis in the correct clinical setting to ensure timely diagnosis and enable appropriate treatment.