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Tuberculous peritonitis in an adolescent male
1Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010.
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is rare in adolescents but can manifest as extrapulmonary disease. This case highlights TB peritonitis in an adolescent, emphasizing its consideration in unexplained fevers without pulmonary symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is notably lower in adolescents compared to other age demographics.
- Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) accounts for approximately 10% of TB cases in this age group.
Observation:
- A case of tuberculous peritonitis is presented in an adolescent.
- The patient had no prior history of TB or known exposure to the disease.
Findings:
- Tuberculosis peritonitis can occur in adolescents without typical risk factors.
- Extrapulmonary TB should be suspected in adolescents with unexplained febrile illnesses.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses in adolescents, even without pulmonary signs.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of extrapulmonary TB are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric patients.