Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB)

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a type of tuberculosis (TB) infection that occurs in parts of the body besides the lungs, the most common site of TB infection.

Notable extrapulmonary infection sites include the pleura (in tuberculous pleurisy), the central nervous system (in tuberculous meningitis), the lymphatic system (in scrofula of the neck), the genitourinary system (in urogenital tuberculosis) among others.

Extrapulmonary TB occurs more commonly in immunosuppressed persons and young children. In those with HIV, this occurs in more than 50% of cases.

Diagnosing EPTB can be difficult because symptoms vary depending on the affected organ. 

Unlike pulmonary TB where sputum tests are used, EPTB often requires more complex tests like biopsies, imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs), or fluid analysis to confirm the diagnosis.