Comparative Evaluation of Multidetector Computed Tomography and Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Findings in Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis

AIM

To compare multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) imaging findings in gastrointestinal (GI) tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE

To study imaging findings of MDCT and DECT in GI tuberculosis.

METHODOLOGY

All the patients falling in the sampling frame and fulfilling the eligibility criteria were clinically examined and demographic details, presenting complaints, medical history, history of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) intake, personal habits, and family history of tuberculosis were noted. All the patients underwent sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) assessment. Outcomes of investigations like bronchoscopy and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)/biopsy were also noted wherever available. Ascitic fluid AFB and culture assessments were also performed wherever feasible. All CT scans were performed on a 384-slice dual-energy CT scanner (Somaton Force, Siemens Healthcare) and all the images were post-processed on a workstation using syngo.via software that allows the analysis of images using three material decompositions. Features like peritonitis, lymph node involvement, GI wall thickening, and solid organ involvement were focused on. Subjective assessment of images of both MDCT and DECT were assessed by two experienced radiologists to prepare the CT diagnosis. The mutual agreement of the two observers was considered final.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study showed that both MDCT, as well as DECT, were useful in the diagnosis of GI tuberculosis. On the basis of these findings, DECT could be considered to have an edge over MDCT in the diagnosis of GI tuberculosis. Keeping in view the small sample size and high prevalence, further studies on a larger sample size with relaxed sampling criteria are recommended to validate the findings of the present study.