Diagnostic Algorithm of Tuberculosis

Imaging of supra‐thoracic tuberculosis

“…imaging-guided biopsy or bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage to obtain respiratory specimens for AFB smear, culture, NAAT and histological examination. 18 In patients found to have extra-pulmonary TB, searching for concurrent pulmonary TB is recommended, as both may be present in up to 50% of cases. 19 When organ-specific imaging e.g.…”

“…If clinically uncertain and sputum is negative, further imaging of the pulmonary lesion helps risk stratification and guides the next step of management e.g. imaging‐guided biopsy or bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage to obtain respiratory specimens for AFB smear, culture, NAAT and histological examination 18 …”

“…When organ‐specific imaging e.g. CT or MRI is suggestive of extra‐pulmonary TB, direct or imaging‐guided sampling of fluid or tissue at the affected site is useful for achieving a bacteriological diagnosis of TB 18 . Repeat sampling or obtaining a larger sample may be required as extra‐pulmonary TB is often paucibacillary, e.g.…”