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[A clinicopathological observation of 15 cases of tuberculosis of the appendix]
Objective:
To study the clinicopathological features and diagnosis of tuberculosis of the appendix.
Method:
Fifteen cases (0.27%) with tuberculosis of appendix selected from 5,621 histopathologically examined appendectomy specimens between June 1959 and May 1995 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
All the cases with tuberculosis of appendix were commonly occurred in the young (< or = 34 years in 12 cases) and in females (in 11 cases). They were usually secondary to tuberculosis elsewhere in the abdomen. By microscopy, proliferative type of the lesions were found in 11 cases, while ulcerative type in 4 cases. Fourteen cases (accounting for 93%) were clinically misdiagnosed. It was difficult to be differentiated from chronic appendicitis, tuberculosis or tumor of the ileocecum and malignant tumor of the appendix.
Conclusions:
Definite diagnosis of tuberculosis of the appendix mainly depend on the histopathological examination. It is recommended that in order to avoid misdiagnosis, all the surgically removed appendix specimens should be histopathologically examined, no matter whether the specimens are macroscopically normal or not.
Insights
Tuberculosis of the appendix is often misdiagnosed, predominantly affecting young females and frequently secondary to abdominal tuberculosis. Definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological examination of appendix specimens.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Context:
- Tuberculosis (TB) can affect various organs, including the appendix, presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Appendiceal tuberculosis is a rare condition, often overlooked in routine clinical practice.
- Understanding the clinicopathological features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the clinicopathological characteristics of appendiceal tuberculosis.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical and pathological methods for appendiceal TB.
- To emphasize the importance of histopathological examination in diagnosing appendiceal tuberculosis.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 15 cases of appendiceal tuberculosis from 5,621 appendectomy specimens (0.27%) revealed a predilection for young females (<34 years, 12/15) and frequent secondary involvement from abdominal TB.
- Microscopic examination showed proliferative (11/15) and ulcerative (4/15) lesion types.
- Clinical misdiagnosis occurred in 93% (14/15) of cases, often confused with chronic appendicitis, ileocecal TB, or appendiceal tumors.
Impact:
- Highlights the high rate of misdiagnosis for appendiceal tuberculosis, underscoring the need for heightened clinical suspicion.
- Recommends routine histopathological examination of all surgically removed appendix specimens, regardless of macroscopic appearance, to prevent diagnostic errors.
- Contributes to improved diagnostic strategies for rare gastrointestinal tuberculosis presentations.
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