Diagnosing EPTB in children can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms. The diagnostic approach includes:
- Clinical Evaluation: Thorough history and physical examination. - Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): To detect TB infection. - Imaging Studies: Chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI depending on the suspected site of infection. - Microbiological Tests: Sputum culture, gastric lavage, or biopsy of affected tissues for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and molecular tests like PCR. - Histopathological Examination: Biopsy of affected tissues to identify granulomas and other characteristic features.
