Radiology of Abdominal Tuberculosis

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Abstract
Radiological findings in 70 cases of abdominal tuberculosis are presented and their diagnostic value assessed. Evidence of tuberculosis was seen on chest X‐ray in half of the cases while plain X‐rays of the abdomen were positiye in thee‐quarters of the cases. Chest X‐rays and abdominal X‐rays were positive respectively in 80% and 100% of the patients presenting with acute complications viz. obstruction, perforation and peritonitis. Barium studies were found to be of help in diagnosis (81%) although both false‐positive and false‐negative findings were observed. Ileocecal and colonic lesions were seen on barium enema whereas barium meal‐follow through better demonstrated the lesions in the small intestine. Barium studies were, however, inadequate in detecting multiple lesions and often incorrect in indicating the site of the lesion.Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is mainly clinical and is further strengthened by positive chest and abdominal X‐rays. Barium studies corroborate the diagnosis when these X‐rays are negative. Barium enema visualises the ileocecal and colonic lesions whereas the lesions in the small intestine are better demonstrated by barium meal follow through.

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