Genitourinary tuberculosis

Background

• The most common manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis after lymphadenopathy

Clinical Manifestations

• Can present as sterile pyuria or hematuria
• Can affect kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, and genitals
• Kidney involvement can cause renal calyceal destruction, calyceal obstruction, or hydronephrosis

Investigations

• Imaging findings are discussed in 1
  • Can mimic routine pyelonephritis
  • Calcifications and strictures throughout the urinary system are common
  • Rarely, can mimic a solid tumour

Diagnosis

• Must be an early morning midstream sample
  • Send the entire specimen
  • Keep specimen refrigerated until transport
• May need multiple specimens over multiple days