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Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Imaging of abdominal tuberculosis
1Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey. akhano@tr.net
Abstract:
The concept of "abdominal tuberculosis" in this review refers to peritoneum and its reflections, gastrointestinal tract, abdominal lymphatic system, and solid visceral organs, as they are subject to varying degrees of involvement alone or in combination. Some features, including free or loculated ascites with thin-mobile septa, smooth peritoneal thickening and enhancement, misty mesentery with large lymph nodes, smudged omental involvement, and advanced ileocecal changes demonstrated by US, CT, or gastrointestinal series are deemed suggestive radiological findings. The diagnosis still requires a high index of suspicion, once the suggestive features have been demonstrated by imaging modalities.
Insights
Abdominal tuberculosis involves multiple organs and structures. Radiological findings like ascites and thickened peritoneum suggest this condition, requiring a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Radiology
Background:
- Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is a complex condition affecting the peritoneum, gastrointestinal tract, abdominal lymphatics, and solid organs.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to varied presentations and potential for combined organ involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept and radiological features of abdominal tuberculosis.
- To highlight imaging findings suggestive of abdominal TB.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature and radiological findings associated with abdominal tuberculosis.
- Analysis of imaging modalities including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and gastrointestinal series.
Main Results:
- Suggestive radiological findings include specific patterns of ascites, peritoneal thickening, mesenteric changes, omental involvement, and ileocecal alterations.
- These findings, while indicative, necessitate a high clinical suspicion for definitive diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Radiological imaging plays a crucial role in identifying suggestive features of abdominal tuberculosis.
- A high index of suspicion remains essential for accurate diagnosis, even with characteristic imaging findings.
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