Abdominal cocoon secondary to tuberculosis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, or abdominal cocoon, is a rare condition.
• It is characterized by a thick fibrotic peritoneum encasing the small bowel.
• This condition predominantly affects young adolescent girls, causing intestinal obstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of abdominal cocoon in a male patient.
• To emphasize the diagnostic difficulties and potential for early diagnosis.
• To highlight the association with abdominal tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a male patient with intermittent subacute intestinal obstruction.
• Radiological suspicion of abdominal cocoon.
• Surgical confirmation and management.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction.
• Radiology suggested an abdominal cocoon.
• The condition was secondary to abdominal tuberculosis.
• This represents a rare occurrence in a male patient.

Conclusions:

• Abdominal cocoon is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with diagnostic challenges.
• Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent bowel resection.
• Abdominal tuberculosis should be considered in cases of abdominal cocoon, particularly in males.