Bladder and ureteric tuberculosis

Bladder and ureteric tuberculosis (TB) refers to infection of ureters and urinary bladder with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Radiographic features

Ureteric TB

IVP

• characteristic beaded appearance due to alternate areas of strictures and dilatation (chronic state)

CT

• acute: ureteral wall thickening
• chronic
  • fibrotic strictures leading to a beaded appearance
  • foreshortening of ureter leading to pipe-stem ureter

Bladder TB

MCU

• irregular wall
• decreased capacity
• thimble bladder
• vesicoureteric reflux in cases of fibrotic changes in ureteral orifice