Surreal illustration of abdominal ultrasound diagnosing tuberculosis in HIV-positive adult.

Abdominal Ultrasound: A Vital Tool for TB Diagnosis in HIV-Positive Adults

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the potential of ultrasound in diagnosing abdominal tuberculosis, especially for those with HIV."

Tuberculosis (TB), a persistent global health challenge, often extends beyond the lungs, particularly in individuals with HIV. Diagnosing abdominal TB or disseminated TB with abdominal involvement in HIV-positive adults poses significant difficulties due to atypical presentations and the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods.

In this context, abdominal ultrasound emerges as a promising tool. It is readily accessible, relatively inexpensive, and non-invasive, making it a valuable asset in resource-limited settings where advanced imaging techniques like CT scans are not readily available. But how accurate and reliable is abdominal ultrasound for diagnosing TB in this specific population?

This article delves into a Cochrane review protocol that aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal ultrasound, both as a standalone test and in combination with other existing tests, for detecting abdominal TB in HIV-positive adults. We'll explore the potential benefits and limitations of this imaging technique, shedding light on its role in improving TB diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

The Potential of Abdominal Ultrasound in TB Diagnosis

Surreal illustration of abdominal ultrasound diagnosing tuberculosis in HIV-positive adult.

Abdominal ultrasound offers a non-invasive way to visualize the abdominal cavity, potentially revealing signs indicative of TB. These signs can include:

Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Focal lesions: Abnormalities in the liver and spleen.

Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Focal lesions: Abnormalities in the liver and spleen.

While these findings can be suggestive of TB, it's crucial to acknowledge that they are not specific. Other conditions, such as lymphomas or other infections, can manifest similarly. This is where the need for rigorous evaluation and potential combination with other diagnostic tests becomes apparent.

Looking Ahead: Improving TB Diagnosis for Better Outcomes

The Cochrane review protocol underscores the importance of accurate and timely TB diagnosis, particularly in vulnerable populations like HIV-positive adults. By systematically evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal ultrasound, researchers aim to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for its use.

The review also highlights the need to consider various factors that can influence test accuracy, such as the expertise of the person performing the ultrasound and the clinical setting. Understanding these sources of heterogeneity is crucial for optimizing the application of abdominal ultrasound in different contexts.

Ultimately, this research strives to improve TB diagnosis, enabling earlier treatment initiation and better outcomes for individuals co-infected with HIV, contributing to global efforts to combat this devastating disease.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/14651858.cd012777, Alternate LINK

Title: Abdominal Ultrasound For Diagnosing Abdominal Tuberculosis Or Disseminated Tuberculosis With Abdominal Involvement In Hiv-Positive Adults

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Daniel J Van Hoving, Graeme Meintjes, Yemisi Takwoingi, Rulan Griesel, Gary Maartens, Eleanor A Ochodo

Published: 2017-08-31

Everything You Need To Know

What is abdominal ultrasound, and how does it help diagnose TB?

Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows visualization of the abdominal cavity. It's particularly useful in diagnosing abdominal TB in HIV-positive adults. The examination can reveal signs such as Lymphadenopathy, Ascites, and Focal lesions, which may indicate the presence of TB. Its importance lies in its accessibility, affordability, and non-invasive nature, making it a viable option in resource-limited settings where advanced imaging is unavailable.

Why is abdominal ultrasound important for diagnosing TB in HIV-positive adults?

The significance of abdominal ultrasound for diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB) in HIV-positive adults lies in its potential to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods often face limitations, and abdominal TB can present atypically in this population. Abdominal ultrasound offers a readily available and relatively inexpensive alternative, providing clinicians with a tool to identify possible signs of TB, such as Lymphadenopathy, Ascites, and Focal lesions. This early detection can lead to timely interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes.

What specific signs of Tuberculosis can abdominal ultrasound reveal?

Abdominal ultrasound can reveal several indicators of Tuberculosis (TB) in the abdomen. These include Lymphadenopathy, which is the enlargement of lymph nodes; Ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity; and Focal lesions, which are abnormalities observed in organs like the liver and spleen. These findings can be suggestive of TB but are not definitive on their own. Further tests may be required to confirm a diagnosis due to the lack of specificity.

What are the limitations of using abdominal ultrasound for diagnosing TB?

The limitations of abdominal ultrasound in diagnosing abdominal Tuberculosis (TB) include its lack of specificity. While findings like Lymphadenopathy, Ascites, and Focal lesions can suggest TB, they can also be caused by other conditions. This means that a positive ultrasound result alone is not enough to confirm a TB diagnosis, and additional tests may be necessary to differentiate TB from other possible causes of these findings. This emphasizes the importance of using abdominal ultrasound in conjunction with other diagnostic tools.

What is the purpose of the Cochrane review protocol regarding abdominal ultrasound?

The Cochrane review protocol aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal ultrasound for Tuberculosis (TB) in HIV-positive adults. This evaluation will assess the effectiveness of abdominal ultrasound both as a standalone test and when combined with other diagnostic methods. By providing evidence-based guidance, the review seeks to assist clinicians in making informed decisions about using abdominal ultrasound, ultimately improving TB diagnosis and treatment outcomes in this vulnerable population. The results of this review will inform clinical practice and improve patient care.