Evaluation of Role of Transabdominal and Transvaginal Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Female Genital Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a common problem in developing countries causing significant morbidity, especially infertility. Radiological imaging, especially ultrasound, can help in diagnosis of FGTB with tubo-ovarian masses. AIMS: The present study was performed to evaluate the role of ultrasound in diagnosis of FGTB and to see various findings of FGTB on ultrasound. STUDY SETTING AND
DESIGN: It was a prospective cross-sectional study over 4-year period between August 2015 and August 2019 in a tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five patients of infertility diagnosed to have FGTB on composite reference standard (CRS) of positive acid-fast bacilli on microscopy or culture of endometrial biopsy, positive polymerase chain reaction, positive GeneXpert, epithelioid granuloma on histology of endometrial biopsy, or definite or probable finding of FGTB on laparoscopy were subjected to transvaginal ultrasound by an experienced sonographer for various findings of FGTB. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis was carried out using STATA software 12.0. Comparison of categorical values was tested using Chi-square Fisher's exact test, with P < 0.05 being taken as significant.
RESULTS: Mean age, body mass index, parity, and duration of infertility were 28.9 years, 22.9 kg/m2, 0.26, and 6.06 years, respectively. Menstrual dysfunction was common (44%). Diagnosis of FGTB was made by CRS. Ultrasound was normal in 112 (64%) cases and was abnormal in 63 (36%) cases. Various ultrasound findings were ovarian cyst (23.42%), tubo-ovarian masses (15.42%), unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx (13.71%), pyosalpinx (0.57%), adhesion (1.14%), adnexal fixity (6.28%), thin endometrium (24.57%), endometrial fluid (12.57%), endometrial calcification (1.7%), endometrial synechiae (4.57%), cornual synechiae (2.28%), impaired endometrial vascularity (21.71%), ascites (6.85%), and peritoneal or omental thickening (1.75%).
CONCLUSION: Carefully performed ultrasound is a useful modality in diagnosis of FGTB, especially in adnexal masses. Copyright:

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem globally with major burden in Africa and Asia.[12] Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a type of extrapulmonary TB and a leading cause of infertility all over the world but especially in India accounting for about 10% cases of infertility.[345] FGTB may be asymptomatic in early stages but later causes menstrual disorders, especially oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea through its effect on endometrial atrophy and synechia formation (Asherman's syndrome), dysmenorrhea, abdominal or pelvic pain, and tubo-ovarian masses and infertility. It can cause infertility through tubal blockage, endometrial atrophy, synechia formation, and poor ovarian reserve.[34567] It can also cause ascites and omental thickening and may resemble carcinoma ovary and may necessitate an unnecessary surgery.[8] Although gold standard in diagnosis of FGTB is detection of acid-fast bacilli on microscopy or culture of endometrial samplings or biopsy, they are positive in small percentage of cases and thus diagnosis is often missed.[910] Similarly, cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test also called GeneXpert though highly specific has low sensitivity and may miss the diagnosis.[11] Epithelioid granuloma on histopathology is diagnostic but is positive in small percentage of cases.[345] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) though highly sensitive has high false-positive rate so not recommended to start the treatment.[412] Diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are useful diagnostic modalities to detect FGTB by demonstrating definite findings of TB such as beaded tubes, caseous nodules, and tubercles or probable findings of TB such as hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx, abdominal and perihepatic adhesions, convoluted and hyperemic tubes, tubo-ovarian masses, and encysted ascites.[1314] Radiological methods such as hysterosalpingography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scan are more useful in TB tubo-ovarian masses.[151617] Ultrasound, especially three dimensional (3D) and four dimensional, is an economical and useful modality in diagnosis of FGTB, particularly in tubo-ovarian masses, and can detect hydrosalpinx which appears as tubal dilatation with septa due to tubal mucosal thickening resembling cogwheel appearance.[18] Ultrasound also detects endometrial disease as thin, diffuse endometrial images with irregular borders accompanied by fluid accumulation in endometrial cavity.[1920] We present the study on 175 cases of FGTB diagnosed on composite reference standard (CRS) (combination of various tests and laparoscopy) and role of ultrasound to detect tubal, ovarian, and endometrial diseases.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Study design

It was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary referral center on 175 cases of FGTB in infertile patients from August 2015 to August 2019. Ethical approval was taken from the Institute Ethical Committee Ref. No: IEC/NP/-92/13.03.2015, RP-07/2015. The study was carried out in compliance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (Brazil, 2013), International Council on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (E6, 1996), and Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants (ICMR 2006). Written informed consent was taken from all the patients.

Study population

The methodology is shown in Flowchart 1.

Flowchart 1

Methodology

Women with infertility attending the gynecological outpatient department of a tertiary referral center and found to have female genital TB on CRS were included. Patients with other causes of infertility, comorbidities, and malignancies and those not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Detailed history taking including menstrual history, present family history of TB, or antitubercular therapy was taken from all patients. General physical, abdominal, speculum, and bimanual examinations were performed in all the cases. Baseline investigations were done in all cases including total leukocyte count, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and Mantoux test.

Intervention

Premenstrual endometrial biopsy or aspirate was taken from all the participants from day 21 to 24 using no. 4 Karman's cannula. The sample was sent for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) microscopy, culture, PCR, GeneXpert, and for histopathology to detect epithelioid granuloma. Diagnostic laparoscopy with or without hysteroscopy was also performed in all cases for tubal patency as part of infertility and for diagnosis of FGTB. Positive PCR was not taken for diagnosis of FGTB but for performing laparoscopy. On laparoscopy, various definite findings of TB such as beaded tubes, caseous nodules, and tubercles were seen carefully in pelvic and abdominal cavity or probable findings of FGTB such as hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx, convoluted and hyperemic tubes, tubo-ovarian mass, peritubal, pelvic, abdominal, and perihepatic adhesion, loculated ascites, and shaggy areas (white areas) in pelvic and abdominal cavity. Diagnosis of FGTB was made by CRS for higher pickup of FGTB by combination of either positive AFB on microscopy or culture of endometrial aspirate or biopsy, positive GeneXpert, positive epithelioid granuloma, and definite or probable findings of FGTB on laparoscopy. Ultrasound using 9–13 MHZ transvaginal probe with 3D images was used in all patients with transvaginal probe with 3D and was used on all patients, and uterus, tubes, ovaries, pelvis, and abdomen were carefully visualized by ultrasound (using both transabdominal and transvaginal probes) for any TB lesions such as uterine size, endometrial thickness, endometrial fluid, fluid in pouch of Douglas, fallopian tube for any hydrosalpinx, tubo-ovarian masses, ovarian cysts, ascites, pelvic and abdominal lymphadenopathy, and peritoneal and omental thickening and omental caking. All patients diagnosed to have FGTB were started antitubercular therapy free of cost using directly observed treatment short-course strategy using four drugs isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for 2 months (intensive phase) followed by three drugs for 4 months (HRE) (continuous phase). All patients were followed up regularly in outpatient department for any adverse effect of drugs and for compliance. Liver function tests were done where indicated.

Statistical analysis

Data analysis was carried out using STATA software v 12.0 (Data analysis was carried out using statistical package SPSS IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY, IBM corp.). Continuous variables were tested for normality assumption using Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and range values were carried for normally distributed data. Comparison of two groups' means was tested using Student's t independent test. Categorical data were presented as frequency and percentage values. Comparison of categorical values was tested using Chi-square Fisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

It was a prospective study conducted over 175 cases of FGTB from August 2015 to August 2019 from a tertiary referral center, AIIMS, New Delhi diagnosed by CRS. The characteristics (clinical feature and baselineinvestigation with numbers and percentage) of patients are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Characteristic, clinical features and baseline investigations (n=175)

Characteristics	Number	Percentage
Age
Range	21-37
Mean±SD	28.9±4.7
Body Mass Index
Range	17.3-32.4
Mean±SD	22.9±3.7
Parity
Range	0-3
Mean±SD	0.26±0.12
History of TB contact	67	38.28
History of BCG	140	80
Type of infertility
Primary infertility	130	74.4
Secondary infertility	45	25.6
Duration of infertility
Range	2-14
Mean±SD	6.06±2.8
Menstrual pattern
Normal menstrual pattern	98	56
Menstrual dysfunction	77	44
i) Heavy periods	3	1.74
ii) Dysmenorrhoea	17	9.71
iii) Oligomenorrhoea	26	14.85
iv) Hypomenorrhoea	27	15.42
v) Amenorrhoea	4	2.28
Weight loss	29	16.57
Anorexia	30	17.14
Fever	23	13.14
Dyspareunia	9	5.14
Vaginal discharge	51	29.14
Abdominal or pelvic pain	33	18.85
Abdominal or pelvic lump	33	18.85
Pallor	22	12.57
Lymphadenopathy	7	4.0
Abnormal discharge on speculum examination	49	28
Adnexal mass or tenderness on bimanual examination	33	18.85
Investigation
Hb <11gm/dl	32	18.28
ESR (mm/hr) Mean±SD	32.10±12.78
Mean±SD leucocyte count (per cubic ml)	5725±2787
Infectious Mantoux test (>10mm)	76	43.42
Old healed lesions	8	4.57
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy	9	5.14

The age ranged between 21 and 37 years with mean being 28.9 ± 4.7 years, body mass index ranged from 17.3 to 32.4 kg/m2 with mean being 22.9 ± 3.7 kg/m2, while the parity ranged from 0 to 3 with mean being 0.26 ± 0.12. There was history of TB contact in 67 (38.28%) cases while history of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination was obtained in 140 (80%) cases. All the patients had infertility with primary infertility in 130 (74.4%) cases and secondary infertility was seen in 45 (25.6%) cases. The duration of infertility ranged from 2 to 14 years with mean being 6.06 ± 2.8 years. Normal menstrual pattern was seen in 98 (56.0%) cases while abnormal menstruation was observed in 77 (44%) cases with heavy menstrual bleeding in 3 (1.74%), dysmenorrhea in 17 (9.71%), oligomenorrhea in 26 (14.85%), and hypomenorrhea in 27 (15.42%) cases and amenorrhea in 4 (2.28%) cases. Other symptoms were weight loss (16.57%), anorexia (17.14%), fever (13.14%), dyspareunia (5.14%), vaginal discharge (29.14%), abdominal or pelvic pain (18.85%), and abdominal or pelvic lump (18.85%). Pallor was seen in 22 (12.57%), lymphadenopathy in 7 (4.0%), abnormal vaginal discharge in 28%, and adnexal mass or tenderness in 18.85%. In baseline investigations, anemia (Hb <11 g/dl) was seen in 32 (18.28%) cases. The mean ESR was 32.10 ± 12.78 mm in the 1st h. The mean leukocyte count was 5725 ± 2787 per cubic mm. Infectious Mantoux test (>10 mm) was seen in 76 (43.42%) cases. X-ray chest showed old healed lesions of TB in 8 (4.57%) cases, while mediastinal lymphadenopathy was seen in 9 (5.14%) cases.

Various methods of diagnosis of FGTB including various tests and their number and percentages are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

Diagnosis of FGTB (n=175)

Test	n	Percentage
AFB on microscopy or culture of endometrial biopsy	9	5.14
Positive PCR	147	84
Positive Gene expert	31	17.71
Epithelioid granuloma on histopathology	22	12.57
Definite finding of tuberculosis on laparoscopy	77	44
Probable finding of tuberculosis on laparoscopy	98	56

Endometrial biopsy showed positive AFB on microscopy/culture in 9(5.14%), positive PCR was seen in 147 (84%) cases, positive gene Xpert was seen in 31 (17.7%) cases while epithelioid granuloma on histopathology of endometrial biopsy was seen in 22 (12.57%) cases. Definite findings of TB on laparoscopy were seen in 77 (44%) cases while probable findings of FGTB were seen in 98 (56%) cases.

Various ultrasound (transabdominal or transvaginal) findings of FGTB including their numbers and percentage are shown in Table 3. The findings of FGTB on ultrasound are shown in Flowchart 2.

Table 3

Various ultrasound (trans-abdominal or trans-vaginal) finding in FGTB (n=175)

Ultrasound finding	Number	Percentage
Normal findings on routine ultrasound	112	64
Abnormal ultrasound finding	63	36
Adnexal findings (Tubes and ovaries)
Bilateral ovarian cysts	18	10.28
Simple	6	3.42
Complex with septae	12	6.85
Left ovarian cyst	12	6.85
Simple	5	2.85
Complex	7	4
Right ovarian cyst	11	6.28
Simple	5	2.85
Complex	6	3.42
Bilateral tubo-ovarian mass	12	6.85
Simple	5	2.85
complex	7	4
Right tubo-ovarian mass	8	4.57
Simple	3	1.71
complex	5	2.85
Left tubo-ovarian mass	7	4
Simple	3	1.71
complex	4	2.28
Bilateral hydrosalpinx	14	8
Right sided hydrosalpinx	11	6.28
Left sided hydrosalpinx	9	5.14
Unilateral pyosalpinx	1	0.57
Bilateral pyosalpinx	0	0
Tubo-ovarian mass adherent posterior to uterus	2	1.14
Unilateral Tubo-ovarian abcess	1	0.57
Adnexal fixity
unilateral	7	4
bilateral	4	2.28
Vertical course of interstitial extent of tube
unilateral	5	2.85
bilateral	3	1.71
Uterine finding
Normal uterus with normal endometrium and myometrium	112	64
Thin endometrium	43	24.57
Diffuse variable thickening	8	4.57
Interruption in endometrial extent	12	6.85
Endometrial fluid	22	12.57
Calcification in endometrium	3	1.71
Bands or synechiae in endometrium	8	4.57
Inhomogeneous endometrium	12	6.85
Cornual obliteration	7	4
T shaped cavity	12	6.85
Uterine extensive scars	6	3.42
Oligemic myometrial cyst	6	3.42
Sub endometrial calcification	2	1.14
Incidental fibroid uterus	7	4
Miscellaneous
Loculated ascites with septation	8	4.57
Generalized ascites	4	2.28
Peritoneal thickening	3	1.71
Omental thickening	3	1.71

Flowchart 2

Findings of FGTB on ultrasound

Ultrasound was normal in 112 (64%) cases. On routine ultrasound, abnormalities were detectedin 33 (18.85%) cases but when detailed ultrasound by an experienced ultrasonologist with special interest in FGTB was performed, the abnormalities were detected in 63 (36%) cases. Various abnormalities were bilateral ovarian cysts in 18 (10.28%) cases with simple cyst in 6 (3.42%) and complex cyst in 12 (6.85%) cases. Figure 1a-b shows transvaginal scan showing an enlarged ovary with solid and cystic areas and fluid levels in a case of FGTB. Left ovarian cyst was seen in 12 (6.85%) (simple in 2.85% and complex in 4%) cases while right ovarian cyst was seen in 11 (6.28%) (simple in 2.85% and complex in 3.42%) cases; bilateral tubo-ovarian mass was seen in 12 (6.85%) (simple in 2.85% and complex in 4%) cases. Right tubo-ovarian mass was seen in 8 (4.57%) (simple in 1.71% and complex in 2.85%) cases while left tubo-ovarian mass was seen in 7 (4%) (simple in 1.71% and complex in 2.28%) cases. Figure 2 (A, B, C): TVS showing distended tube and vertical course of interstitial extent of tube in a case of FGTB. Bilateral hydrosalpinx with tubal dilatation with septa showing cog wheel appearance was seen in 14 (8%) cases while right sided hydrosalpinxwas seen in 11 (6.28%) and left-sided hydrosalpinx was seen in 9 (5.14%) cases. Unilateral pyosalpinx was seen in only 1 (0.57%) case while mass adherent to the posterior surface of the uterus was seen in 2 (1.14%) cases and unilateral tubo-ovarian abscess was seen in 1 (0.57%) case. Unilateral adnexal fixity was seen in 7 (4%) while bilateral fixity was seen in 4 (2.28%) cases. Vertical course of interstitial extent of tube was seen on one side in 5 (2.85%) [Figure 3a-c] cases and on both sides in 3 (1.71%) cases. Various uterine findings on ultrasound were normal uterus with normal looking endometrium and myometrium in 112 (64%) cases, thin endometrium in 43 (24.57%) cases, interruption in endometrial extent in 12 (6.85%), ovarian Koch's with solid and cystic areas, endometrial fluid in 22 (12.57%) [Figure 4a-d], diffuse variable thickening of endometrium in 8 (4.57%), calcification in endometrium in 3 (1.71%), subendometrial calcification in 2 (1.14%), bands or synechiae in endometrium in 8 (4.57%), homogeneous endometrium in 12 (6.85%), cornual obliteration or amputation in 7 (4.1%) [Figure 5a-c], T-shaped uterine cavity in 12 (6.85) [Figure 6a-c], uterine extensive scars in 6 (3.42%), impaired endometrial vascularity in 38 (21.71%), and myometrial cyst in 6 (3.42%). Incidental fibroid was seen in 7 (4%) cases. Other miscellaneous findings were loculated ascites with septation in 8 (4.57%), generalized ascites in 4 (2.28%), peritoneal thickening in 3 (1.71%), and omental thickening in 3 (1.71%) cases. Many patients had more than one finding.

Figure 1

(a and b) Transvaginal ultrasound showing ovarian cyst with solid and cystic areas and fluid levels in a case of FGTB

Figure 2

(a-c) Transvaginal ultrasound showing distended tube and vertical course of interstitial extent of tube in a case of FGTB

Figure 3

(a-d) Transvaginal ultrasound showing thin endometrium, free endometrial fluid and interruption in endometrial extent in case of FGTB

Figure 4

(a-c) TVS showing cornual obliteration (amputation) with endometrial synechiae in a case of FGTB

Figure 5

(a-c) TVS showing distorted "T" shaped uterine cavity in a case of FGTB

Figure 6

(a-c) Transvaginal ultrasound showing encysted ascites (loculated ascites) with thin septae in a case of FGTB

DISCUSSION

FGTB remains an important cause of infertility in India and its diagnosis is often delayed due to its paucibacillary nature.[3456] FGTB causes infertility through its effect on fallopian tubes (tubal blockage), uterus (endometrial atrophy and Asherman's syndrome), and ovaries (decreased ovarian reserve).[4567] The gold standard in diagnosis of FGTB are positive AFB culture, positive GeneXpert, or epithelioid granuloma on histology of endometrial biopsy, but these are positive in small percentages of cases.[910] PCR is highly sensitive but has high false-positive rate.[12] PCR, though highly sensitive, has high false positive rates. (12) Endoscopy (Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy) are useful modalities in diagnosis of FGTB but are invasive, needing general anesthesia and expertise and may be associated with complications.[1314] Radiological methods are especially useful in tubo-ovarian masses. Hysterosalpingography though useful in detecting uterine and tubal disease can sometimes flare up the disease and is avoided in active TB.[15] CT scan, MRI, and PET scan can better detect tubo-ovarian masses and help to differentiate between TB and ovarian cancer but are more expensive.[41617] Ultrasound is economical as compared to CT scan and MRI and can pick up FGTB findings if performed by an experienced ultrasonologist with special interest and expertise in detecting subtle changes of FGTB. Three- and fourth-dimensional scans are even more useful in diagnosis subtle changes of FGTB.[181920] Although ultrasound is more useful in abdominal tuberculous peritonitis where it can detect tuberculous ascites with incomplete septation, lattice type of ascites (fibrous band in ascitic fluid), loculated ascites, thickened band or adhesion, omental thickening, and peritoneal thickening, it can also be helpful in detection of simple and complex tubo-ovarian masses.[21] In pelvic TB, it can detect hydrosalpinx as tubal dilatation with septa due to tubal mucosal thickening resembling cogwheel appearance.[18] It can also detect unilateral or bilateral pyosalpinx.[22] Abdominopelvic TB can cause incompletely septated ascites, particulate ascites, loculated ascites, thickened peritoneum or omentum, adnexal masses, adhesions, tubo-ovarian abscess, or complexes.[232425] Ultrasound, especially transvaginal scan, is particularly useful in detecting tubal disease (hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx, and tubo-ovarian mass) and uterine disease (Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy).[2627] In the present study on 175 cases of FGTB detected on CRS (combination of AFB on microscopy of culture of endometrial biopsy, GeneXpert, epithelioid granuloma on histology of endometrial biopsy, and definite or probable finding of FGTB on laparoscopy), abnormal ultrasound was observed mainly in tuberculous tubo-ovarian masses. We observed abnormal ultrasound in 36% cases when scan was done by a consultant sonologist with special expertise and interest in FGTB as compared to only 18.85% when routine scan was done by residents. Various findings of FGTB were ovarian cyst (bilateral in 10.28%, left sided in 6.85%, and right sided in 6.28%), tubo-ovarian masses (bilateral in 6.85%, right sided in 4.57%, and left sided in 4%), hydrosalpinx (bilateral in 8%, right sided in 6.28%, and left sided in 5.14%), unilateral pyosalpinx (0.57%), adherent tubo-ovarian masses to uterus (1.14%), and tubo-ovarian abscess in (0.57%) cases with adnexal fixity (4% unilateral and 2.28% bilateral) and vertical course of interstitial extent of tube (unilateral in 2.85% and bilateral in 1.75%) cases. Various uterine findings were thin endometrium (24.57%), interruption in endometrial extent (6.85%), endometrial fluid (12.57%), calcification (1.75%), synechiae (4.57%), cornual obliteration or amputation (2.28%), and T-shaped distorted and shrunken uterine cavity and incidental fibroid (4%). We also found loculated ascites in 4.57% cases, peritoneal thickening in 1.75% case and omental thickening in 1.71% cases of FGTB. Our results are similar to ultrasound study conducted by Khurana and Suhi[20] whom study showed role of ultrasound in FGTB showing the spectrum of findings such as interruption in endometrial extent, endometrial fluid, calcifications, bands or adhesions, thin endometrium or diffuse variable thickening, cornual obliteration, vertical course of interstitial extent of tube, impaired endometrial vascularity, oligemic myometrial cyst, tubal fluid, loculated peritoneal fluid, tubo-ovarian masses, and adnexal fixity.

In the present study, we observed a high prevalence of ovarian cysts (23.42%) and tubo-ovarian masses (15.42%) in FGTB cases. It may be due to referral of difficult and untreatable cases of FGTB to this apex institute from all over country, especially from high prevalent areas like Bihar which might have increased the prevalence of ovarian cysts and tubo-ovarian masses in the present study. The ovarian cysts and tubo-ovarian masses in FGTB are accumulation of fluid in and around ovaries and fallopian tubes due to adhesions in FGTB and may not be true cysts.

Ultrasound and other radiological modalities can also be used for follow-up of patients of FGTB with tubo-ovarian masses after antitubercular therapy as the mass should disappear or significantly decrease in size after Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) for 6 months.[28] Sometimes, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) can also be present in FGTB either as primary disease or as a part of MDR-TB at other places, especially pulmonary MDR-TB with tubo-ovarian masses where ultrasound can be useful modality for initial diagnosis and for follow-up of the patients after treatment of MDR-TB.[29] Hence, ultrasound, especially transvaginal three- and four-dimensional scan, is useful in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with FGTB, especially with adnexal masses, but should be performed by an experienced sonologist with special expertise and interest in FGTB to pick up the subtle findings of FGTB.

However, ultrasound like any other radiological methods has its limitations. Alone it cannot be used for diagnosis of FGTB. The gold standard for diagnosis of FGTB remains microbiological methods such as positive AFB on microscopy or culture of endometrial biopsy, positive GeneXpert, positive PCR, and histopathological evidence of epithelioid granuloma on endometrial biopsy. CRS should be used for identifying more cases of FGTB by combining various microbiological, pathological methods with laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Ultrasound is more useful in tuberculous tubo-ovarian masses, although FGTB cannot be diagnosed by ultrasonography alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study definitely raise high index of suspicion of FGTB on demonstration of ovarian cysts, tubo-ovarian masses, and hydrosalpinx which can then be confirmed with molecular or histological diagnosis or endoscopic assessment.

However, larger multicentric studies are recommended to confirm the findings of the present study.

Data availability statement

Nil

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.