Abdominal tuberculosis: A retrospective analysis of 45 cases

Abdominal tuberculosis is defined as infection of the peritoneum, hollow or solid abdominal organs with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The peritoneum and the ileocaecal region are the most likely sites of infection and are involved in the majority of the cases by haematogenous spread or through swallowing of infected sputum from primary pulmonary tuberculosis. Pulmonary tuberculosis is apparent in less than half of the patients. Patients usually present with abdominal pain, and the cause is usually identified through a combination of radiologic, endoscopic, microbiologic, histologic and molecular techniques. Anti-microbial treatment is the same as for pulmonary tuberculosis. Surgery is occasionally required.