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Published on: April 9, 2012
Peritoneal tuberculosis, an underestimated diagnosis: a case report
Leila Laamara1,2, Elmostafa Benaissa1,2, Amine Achemlal3
1Bacteriology Department, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Abstract:
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs, caused by human-to-human transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Peritoneal tuberculosis is an extra-pulmonary form of the disease that usually manifests as an ascitic syndrome, with or without fever, in a context of altered general condition, often in endemic areas. The diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis is not always easy, as the clinical signs are often insidious and unspecific. We report a case of peritoneal tuberculosis in an 18-year-old female, who had presented for 10 days with a progressive increase in abdominal volume associated with vomiting and diarrhoea.
Insights
Peritoneal tuberculosis, an uncommon form of tuberculosis affecting the abdomen, presents diagnostic challenges due to vague symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in young individuals with unexplained abdominal issues.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs but can manifest in other organs (extrapulmonary TB).
- Peritoneal tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary form, often presenting with ascites and nonspecific symptoms.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to insidious and unspecific clinical signs.
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