Tuberculosis of the genitourinary tract: imaging features with pathological correlation

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Infectious Diseases
• Urology

Background:

• Rising prevalence of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
• Increased incidence linked to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.
• Genitourinary tract is the most common site for extrapulmonary TB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the spectrum of imaging features of genitourinary tuberculosis.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by TB's varied presentation.
• To emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion and radiological familiarity for early diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Pictorial essay format.
• Review of imaging findings in genitourinary TB.
• Focus on kidney, ureter, bladder, and female/male genital tracts.

Main Results:

• Genitourinary TB presents with diverse clinical and radiological findings.
• TB can mimic numerous other disease entities, complicating diagnosis.
• Familiarity with imaging manifestations is crucial for differentiating TB.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis of genitourinary TB is achievable with high clinical suspicion.
• Radiological assessment plays a key role in identifying TB in the genitourinary system.
• Timely diagnosis facilitates prompt and appropriate patient management.