Diagnostic Imaging of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Across Organ Systems

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) involves Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection outside the lungs.
• Nonspecific clinical signs often delay EPTB diagnosis, necessitating advanced imaging.
• Diagnostic imaging is crucial for EPTB detection, characterization, and treatment monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize organ-specific, imaging-based diagnostic approaches for EPTB.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and patterns across various body systems affected by EPTB.
• To discuss conventional and emerging imaging techniques for EPTB evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of imaging modalities used in EPTB diagnosis.
• Categorization of imaging findings by affected organ system (CNS, spine, cardiovascular, etc.).
• Inclusion of advanced techniques like perfusion-weighted MRI, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and machine learning.

Main Results:

• Conventional imaging (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound) often shows nonspecific findings in EPTB.
• Site-specific imaging patterns can increase clinical suspicion for EPTB.
• Emerging techniques show promise in improving lesion characterization and differentiating EPTB.

Conclusions:

• A multimodal, organ-specific imaging strategy, combined with clinical context, is vital for improved EPTB recognition.
• Advanced imaging techniques offer potential for more accurate EPTB diagnosis and management.
• Understanding site-specific imaging patterns aids in overcoming diagnostic delays for EPTB.