[Granulomatous peritonitis due to starch. Apropos of a case]

The authors present a case of granulomatous peritonitis due to starch in a 47-year-old female. This is an infrequent, but clinically important, process. Contamination occurs mainly through rubber gloves. The symptomatology is varied and simulates a picture of acute abdomen. The diagnosis rests on examination of the liquid obtained by peritoneocentesis or peritoneal biopsy. The histopathologic picture is that of a granulomatous reaction to foreign matter, with giant cells that exhibit birefringent granules in the form of the Maltese cross. Medical management is based on the use of steroids and anti-inflammatory agents.