Multimodal imaging of fibrosing mesenteric tuberculosis

Abstract

This article presents fibrosing mesenteric tuberculosis in a 19-year-old Arab boy who presented with weight loss, fever, abdominal pain, and distension. Abdominal contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was performed which showed large infiltrative ill-defined mesenteric-based enhancing soft tissue phlegmonous mass with surrounding desmoplastic reaction causing retraction-kinking of small bowel loops associated with central necrotic mesenteric lymph nodes, multifocal small bowel wall thickening, and ascites. Abdominal tuberculosis is a diagnostic challenge particularly if pulmonary tuberculosis is absent as in this case. CT appears to be the modality of choice if clinical and epidemiological suspicion is high in order to ensure early treatment for a favorable outcome. Keywords: Mesenteric tuberculosis, Computed tomography