Multimodality imaging of urinary tract tuberculosis

Imaging is a key component of diagnosis and treatment response evaluation of urinary tract tuberculosis (UT TB). Tuberculosis can have a long latency, but if found early, one may have the opportunity to prevent complications such as ureteral strictures, obstructive nephropathy, contracted (thimble) bladder, renal parenchymal destruction/calcification, and renal failure. Imaging can aid in diagnosis and differential diagnoses, evaluate the extent of disease and complications, and guide image-directed biopsy, surgical planning, and evaluation of treatment response. Imaging abnormalities in the renal parenchyma and urinary tract at different stages of the disease, lymphadenopathy, and extra-urinary tract organ involvement are suggestive of UT TB. Recent advances in imaging modalities aid in UT TB diagnosis, follow-up, and guiding treatment.