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Isolated tuberculosis of appendix.
The American Surgeon
|March 1, 1975
Summary
Tuberculosis can present as acute appendicitis, even without other signs of infection elsewhere in the body. Surgical removal of the appendix and tuberculosis treatment effectively resolved symptoms in two patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
- Tuberculosis (TB) typically affects the lungs but can manifest in various organs.
- Appendiceal tuberculosis is a rare condition, often presenting atypically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of acute appendicitis caused by tuberculosis co-existing with pyogenic infection.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and successful management of this rare presentation.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of appendectomy specimens.
- Clinical investigation for disseminated tuberculosis.
- Post-operative antituberculous drug therapy.
Main Results:
- Both patients presented with symptoms of acute appendicitis.
- Histology revealed tuberculosis alongside pyogenic bacteria in the appendix.
- No other tuberculous lesions were identified in either patient.
- Both patients showed a favorable response to appendectomy and anti-TB medication.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis, especially in endemic areas.
- Combined surgical and medical management is effective for appendiceal tuberculosis.
- Appendiceal tuberculosis can occur in isolation without systemic involvement.