Tuberculosis (fallopian tube)

Last revised by Matt A. Morgan on 24 Oct 2020

Tuberculosis of the fallopian tube is one of the most common sites of tuberculous pelvic inflammatory disease

Many patients may be asymptomatic, with the disease being discovered during the workup for infertility.  Signs and symptoms are often vague and can include acute or chronic pain, infertility, and vaginal bleeding. 

Like pelvic tuberculosis, infection almost always results from spread from an extragenital source, usually hematogenous or less commonly via lymphatic vessels or from the peritoneal cavity.

Both tubes are usually affected.

May show calcification of the fallopian tubes in a small proportion of patients. Tubal calcification can take the form of linear streaks, which lie in the course of the fallopian tube or appear as faint or dense tiny nodules.

Multiple constrictions along the course of the Fallopian tube can also form from scarring and give rise to ‘‘beaded’’ appearance to the tubes (usually seen on an HSG). Tubal occlusion in tuberculosis is considered a less common sign and occurs most commonly in the region of isthmus and ampulla 5

Tuberculous salpingitis without blockage can appear as a thick walled tortuous structure with vivid enhancement. 

On a hysterosalpingogram consider:

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