Abdominal Tuberculosis Presenting as an Umbilical Sinus: A Case Report

Abdominal tuberculosis, a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is common in developing countries like India. Manifestations of abdominal tuberculosis are widely variable. Its incidence is high among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients in the adult population. Here, we report a 26-year-old male, initially treated in a private clinic for abdominal distention, loss of appetite, and loss of weight for one month. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen showed a large loculated fluid collection. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed signs of pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was started on anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) and discharged. Ten days later, the patient presented to our hospital with foul-smelling pus discharging from the umbilicus and necrosis of the surrounding tissue. Abdominal examination revealed a tense, distended, and tender abdomen. The patient was referred for emergency laparotomy. The intraoperative findings showed features that were a combination of plastic fibrous type and encysted loculated type of peritoneal tuberculosis. The above-mentioned case describes a very uncommon presentation of abdominal tuberculosis. A high degree of suspicion is required for diagnosing such conditions, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The case report also highlights the difficulties in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis.