Imaging of supra-thoracic tuberculosis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) commonly affects the lungs but can manifest in extrapulmonary sites.
• Extrapulmonary TB is frequently observed in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• Clinical presentations of extrapulmonary TB are often nonspecific, mimicking other diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the imaging spectrum of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
• To focus on TB affecting the supra-thoracic region, including the brain, neck, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT).
• To emphasize the role of imaging in diagnosing and managing extrapulmonary TB.

Main Methods:

• Pictorial essay format.
• Review of imaging findings for supra-thoracic extrapulmonary TB.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical context.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of diverse imaging appearances of extrapulmonary TB in the brain, neck, and ENT.
• Illustrations of how imaging modalities can aid in diagnosis.
• Emphasis on the importance of recognizing these patterns for early intervention.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing the imaging spectrum of supra-thoracic extrapulmonary TB is crucial for timely diagnosis.
• Appropriate imaging modalities and contextual awareness facilitate early detection and treatment.
• Imaging plays a vital role in managing TB in sites beyond the lungs, especially in immunocompromised patients.