Elevated CA 125 in advanced abdominal or pelvic tuberculosis

Three cases with advanced pelvic or abdominal tuberculosis showed marked elevation of CA 125. This observation should help clinicians to entertain a possible diagnosis of abdominopelvic tuberculosis and undertake diagnostic laparoscopy, thus avoiding laparotomy where possible. It is suggested that all women who present with adnexal or abdominopelvic mass and/or ascites be tested for CA 125; raised levels may not be due to ovarian malignancy but could be due to tuberculosis.