Abdominal tuberculosis: Often an eluded diagnosis

Mbata GC^1,2*, Chukwuocha C¹, Nwadike VU³, Egejuru RO⁴, Nweke IG⁴ and Ibiam FA⁵
 

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

²Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

³Department of Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Pathology, Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

⁵Department of Otolaryngology, Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: mbatag@yahoo.com  

Accepted 25 September, 2013

Abstract

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is more common in the developing nations and less common in the developed world. The onset is insidious and clinical presentation can mimic any abdominal condition. The diagnosis can be made by heightened clinical suspicion; ultra sound or computerized tomography guided aspiration of peritoneal fluid/tissue or sample taken at laparoscopy or laparotomy can be cultured or sent for histology. The diagnosis is often made in the late stage of the disease with attendant poor prognosis. Once abdominal TB is considered, a goal oriented diagnostic procedure is indicated and must be pursued vigorously. Early treatment will prevent complications and reduce mortality. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended as it ensures good treatment outcome. 

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Abdomen, Diagnosis, Management.