The spectrum of tuberculous peritonitis

From 1966 to 1973, a total of 30 cases of tuberculous peritonitis were seen in Seattle-King County. Abdominal pain, swelling, and constitutional symptoms were the most frequent initial complaints. Radiographic abnormalities consistent with tuberculosis were present in 25 cases, and pulmonary disease was proven in ten. An initial tuberculin test with intermediate-strength purified protein derivative of tuberculin was negative in 19 of 27 patients. Six of 13 initial nonreactors still had negative reactions on repeat testing, and four appeared to be anergic when retested one to four months later. Ascites was present in 67% (20) of the 30 patients, and laparotomy was used most frequently to establish the diagnosis. Diagnosis was particularly difficult in 13 alcoholics, in whom the disease was usually unsuspected, the findings in the ascitic fluid were uncharacteristic, and negative tuberculin reactions were frequent. Peritoneal tuberculosis was a contributory cause of death in five cases. Three of these patients, who were also alcoholics, went undiagnosed and untreated. Two patients died of unrelated causes. Twenty-three have done well, and 19 have completed chemotherapy.