Abstract: Objective To study the value of computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosis of tuberculosis of chest wall.  Methods All the 87 patients with chest wall tuberculosis in our hospital confirmed by postoperative pathohistology and received CT scan from November 2002 to March 2009, 15 cases of them receivedcontrast-enhanced CT scan.  Results Plain CT scan appearances had semicircular or flat soft tissure masses with a high-density margin and low density center, dumb-bell shaped and low-density central masses. Bone and joint destruction were found in 15 cases, local rib cortex defect in 9 cases, expansile osteolysis in 3 cases；Contrast-Enhanced CT appearances had margin enhancement in 14 cases，heterogeneous low density masses in one case which was clearly in contrast-enhanced CT scan.  Conclusion  CT scan is the great clinical value in diagnosing and differentiating tuberculosis of the chest wall.

Key words: tuberculosis,pulmonary/radiography, tuberculosis,, pleural/radiography, tomography,X-ray computed