Hidden in plain sight: Extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis in Asia

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis represents 15-20% of all tuberculosis infections and can involve nearly any organ, earning tuberculosis a reputation as one of the great mimickers in medicine. Imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which presents with a wide range of manifestations. We present a pictorial essay comprising cases from Asia, where tuberculosis remains endemic, illustrating the imaging characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis with a focus on thoracoabdominal pathology. Differential diagnoses that exhibit similar imaging findings are also discussed. We aim to raise awareness among radiologists about the importance of considering extrapulmonary tuberculosis for accurate diagnosis and timely management.