The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Urine Lipoarabinomannan in Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A Review of Current Evidence

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths. While pulmonary TB is the most common form of the disease, extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) accounts for 10-20% of all TB cases. EPTB can affect virtually any organ system, with lymph nodes, pleura, and the central nervous system being the most commonly involved sites. The diagnosis of EPTB is often challenging due to the diverse clinical presentations and the limitations of the available diagnostic tools. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of EPTB can result in significant morbidity and mortality.