Imaging Manifestations of Genitourinary Tuberculosis

Area of Science:

• Genitourinary radiology
• Infectious disease imaging
• Tuberculosis diagnostics

Background:

• Genitourinary tuberculosis is a common extrapulmonary manifestation of TB.
• Imaging findings can be varied and mimic malignancy, posing diagnostic challenges.
• Pathogenesis involves hematogenous spread, lymphatic dissemination, contiguous extension, and sexual transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diverse imaging manifestations of genitourinary tuberculosis.
• To emphasize the role of imaging in the diagnosis and management of genitourinary TB.
• To aid clinicians in differentiating genitourinary TB from other pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging features of genitourinary tuberculosis.
• Discussion of diagnostic modalities including CT, CT urography, MRI, and ultrasound (US).
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation and pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Genitourinary TB exhibits protean imaging features, often non-specific.
• Ultrasound is valuable for scrotal and female genital TB evaluation.
• MRI provides excellent soft-tissue contrast for detailed anatomical assessment.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with genitourinary TB imaging characteristics is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Advanced imaging techniques like CT, CT urography, and MRI aid in diagnosis and management.
• Timely diagnosis through imaging facilitates prompt treatment of genitourinary tuberculosis.