Peritoneal tuberculosis: modern peril for an ancient disease

South Med J. 2009 Jan;102(1):57-9. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e31819007c8.

Abstract

Extrapulmonary manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in general, and tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) in particular, have posed complex diagnostic challenges for centuries. Peritoneal tuberculosis is a very rare manifestation of MTB with subtle clinical findings that may result in a significant diagnostic delay, often of more than four months. As the incidence of tuberculosis is declining in developed nations, clinicians may overlook the need to establish an early diagnosis and prompt therapy for this disorder. We present a case of peritoneal tuberculosis and a review of the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Ascites / etiology
  • Ascitic Fluid / microbiology
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jaundice / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritonitis, Tuberculous / complications
  • Peritonitis, Tuberculous / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers