Imaging Manifestations of Genitourinary Tuberculosis

Excluding confusable diseases in patients with presumptive diagnosis of interstitial cystitis: A large patient cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of excluding confusable diseases in patients with a presumptive diagnosis of interstitial cystitis (IC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of consecutive patients with IC between October 2005 and December 2019.

RESULTS

Patients with pelvic pain underwent an initial workup. Of these, 646 patients (164 men, 25.4%; 482 women, 74.6%) underwent observational cystoscopy under the suspicion of IC. Fourteen patients had genitourinary tract malignancies (2.2%) (bladder cancer, n = 13; prostate cancer, n = 1). Of the 13 patients with bladder cancer, three were diagnosed during initial observation cystoscopy. The remaining 10 patients were diagnosed during subsequent follow-up cystoscopic surgery. Urinary tuberculosis was identified in seven (1.1%) of 646 patients during the examination. Five (0.8%) of the six patients with suspected urinary tuberculosis at baseline imaging were positive for tuberculosis in the acid-fast bacillus test. One patient developed tuberculous granulomas in the bladder tissue after a cystectomy for intractable pelvic pain.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that continuous efforts to rule out bladder tumors or tuberculosis are still essential in the follow up of patients with suspected IC, even if these diseases are not excluded at the initial examination. Imaging studies are necessary to rule out tuberculosis.

Diagnostic dilemma in female genital tract tuberculosis: A case report

Female genital tract tuberculosis presents a diagnostic challenge because of its variable clinical presentation and radiological manifestation. Most patients are present with history of infertility, pain in the abdomen, vaginal discharge, and bleeding. These symptoms mimic those of gynecological cancer, such as endometrial carcinoma. Endometrial cancer typically manifests with vaginal bleeding in the post-menopausal age group; however, in less than 10% to 20% patients, it can occur in perimenopausal age groups, which makes it difficult to distinguish between malignancy and tuberculosis. We present a case report of a 40-year-old woman who complained of vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Her imaging findings favored the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma but histopathology revealed tuberculosis.

Imaging findings in inflammatory disease of the genital organs

This review focuses on inflammatory diseases of female and male genital organs and discusses their epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and imaging findings. The female section covers pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) primarily caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Unusual causes such as actinomycosis and tuberculosis have also been explored. The male section delves into infections affecting the vas deferens, epididymis, testes, prostate, and seminal vesicles. Uncommon causes such as tuberculosis, and Zinner syndrome have also been discussed. In addition, this review highlights other conditions that mimic male genital tract infections such as vasculitis, IgG4-related diseases, and sarcoidosis. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of these inflammatory diseases are essential for preventing serious complications and infertility. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography play a crucial role in diagnosis. Understanding the diverse etiologies and imaging findings is vital for the effective management of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

Tumefactive Nonneoplastic Proliferative Pseudotumors of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract: CT and MRI Findings with Histopathologic Correlation

A diverse spectrum of pathologically distinct, nonneoplastic, proliferative conditions of the kidneys and urinary tract demonstrate a expansile growth pattern similar to that of neoplasms. The renal pseudotumors include myriad causes of infections as well as rare noninfectious causes such as sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Rare entities such as cystitis cystica, endometriosis, nephrogenic adenoma, and pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation and distinct types of prostatitis comprise tumefactive nontumorous disorders that affect specific segments of the urinary tract. The pseudotumors of the kidneys and urinary tract demonstrate characteristic histopathologic and epidemiologic features, as well as protean clinical manifestations, natural history, and imaging findings. Many patients present with genitourinary tract-specific symptoms or systemic disease. Some cases may be incidentally discovered at imaging. Some entities such as perinephric myxoid pseudotumors, IgG4-RD, fibroepithelial polyp, and nephrogenic adenoma display specific anatomic localization and disease distribution. Imaging features of multisystem disorders such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and IgG4-RD provide supportive evidence that may allow precise diagnosis. Fungal pyelonephritis, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, IgG4-RD, actinomycosis, and endometriosis show markedly low signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images. Although some pseudotumors exhibit characteristic imaging findings that permit correct diagnosis, laboratory correlation and histopathologic confirmation are required for definitive characterization in most cases. A high index of suspicion is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis is critical for instituting optimal management while preventing use of inappropriate therapies or interventions. Surveillance CT and MRI are frequently used for monitoring the response of pseudotumors to therapy. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

The Imaging Features and Diagnostic Value of Computerised Tomography in Seminal Duct Tuberculosis

Objective

To analyse the computerised tomography (CT) imaging features and diagnostic value of seminal duct tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

The imaging data of male patients with ejaculatory duct TB who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Through CT images, seminal duct TB was divided into different types, and the CT image features of different types of TB were analysed. The differences in diagnosis between CT and pathological results were compared.

Results

According to the CT manifestations of TB of the intrapelvic segment of seminal duct TB, this disease could be divided into an intra-tubular calcification type, a lumen dilatation and effusion type and a wall thickening type, among which 6 cases (15.8%) were intra-tubular calcification types, 14 cases (36.8%) were lumen dilatation and effusion types and 18 cases (47.4%) were wall thickening types. The diagnostic efficacy of CT in the diagnosis of ejaculatory duct TB: sensitivity = 63.89% (23/36), specificity = 80.01% (44/53), accuracy = 75.28% (67/89), positive predictive value = 51.87% (43/109), negative predictive value = 77.19% (44/57) and kappa = 0.558.

Conclusion

CT has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of seminal duct TB. The classification of seminal duct TB using CT images is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Tuberculous peritonitis post orchiectomy for testicular tuberculosis; a case report and literature review

Tuberculous peritonitis, though rare, is a serious condition and its diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and imaging findings. Likewise, tuberculous epididymo-orchitis is a clinical dilemma, as it often mimics testicular tumors. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient diagnosed to have TB peritonitis, following tuberculous epididymo-orchitis with review of the imaging features of both entities. A high index of suspicion and careful clinical assessment will help in early diagnosis and treatment of TB peritonitis, preventing potential complications. Moreover, testicular tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal mass.

Renal Papillary Necrosis (RPN) in an African Population: Disease Patterns, Relevant Pathways, and Management

Renal papillary necrosis (RPN) is characterized by coagulative necrosis of the renal medullary pyramids and papillae. Multiple conditions and toxins are associated with RPN. Several RPN risk factors, or POSTCARDS, have been identified, with most patients presenting with RPN having at least two contributing risk factors. Currently, there is no specific test to diagnose and confirm RPN; however, several imaging tools can be used to diagnose the condition. RPN is currently underdiagnosed in African populations, often with fatal outcomes. In African clinical settings, there is a lack of consensus on how to define and describe RPN in terms of kidney anatomy, pathology, endourology, epidemiology, the identification of African-specific risk factors, the contribution of oxidative stress, and lastly an algorithm for managing the condition. Several risk factors are unique to African populations including population-specific genetic factors, iatrogenic factors, viral infections, antimicrobial therapy, schistosomiasis, substance abuse, and hypertension (GIVASSH). Oxidative stress is central to both GIVASSH and POSTCARDS-associated risk factors. In this review, we present information specific to African populations that can be used to establish an updated consensual definition and practical grading system for radiologists, urologists, nephrologists, nuclear physicians, and pathologists in African clinical settings.

Spilling the beans: an inside scoop on the imaging of renal parenchymal disease

BACKGROUND

Renal parenchymal disease is commonly encountered on imaging, and an understanding of the spectrum of pathology is vital to making correct diagnoses and recommendations for management. These conditions can be categorized based on the presence of calcifications, cysts, solid masses, patterns of enhancement, and other characteristic non-mass findings, as well as on their spatial distribution (i.e., medullary vs. cortical). Making an accurate diagnosis is often challenging, as there is overlap in the features of various diseases, and many benign entities may mimic pathology.

OBJECTIVE

This review broadly discusses imaging features of renal parenchymal disease and provides a systematic approach to characterize findings and appropriately guide further management.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosıs: an old but resurgent problem

Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs, but some of its most devastating clinical consequences arise because of its ability to spread from the lungs to other organs. Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) constitutes 15–20% of all TB cases. Imaging findings are not always specific and can mimic many diseases; therefore, EPTB should be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in patients with immune system disorders (AIDS, patients receiving chemotherapy, etc.) and those in other high-risk groups including people with diabetes. The bacterium's passage to the regional lymph nodes is essential for developing a protective T-cell-mediated immune response, but the bacterium can spread hematologically and via the lymphatic system, leading to extrapulmonary involvement. Diagnosis of EPTB in high-risk patients is made based on suspected clinical and radiological findings, but further positive culture and histopathological confirmation may be required in some instances. Radiological evaluations are critical for diagnosis and crucial in planning the treatment and follow-up. This paper aims to review the typical and atypical imaging features and the differential diagnosis of EPTB.