Abdominal Tuberculosis in Children—Imaging and Intervention

Abstract

The global burden of tuberculosis (TB) is a health care challenge in both the developing and developed world. Children represent a high-risk group for acquiring the disease, but despite this, abdominal TB (ATB) remains uncommon. ATB includes infection of the gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, mesentery, lymph nodes, and solid organs. Mycobacterium tuberculosis accounts for most cases but Mycobacterium bovis has also been implicated. The clinical manifestations of ATB are nonspecific leading to diagnostic delay that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Imaging plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis of TB, guides biopsy, evaluates response to treatment, and identifies complications. In this article, we review the imaging findings of ATB with particular reference to modalities that avoid the use of radiation in pediatric patients. The role of interventional radiology and surgery in the diagnosis and management of ATB is also described.