Spectrum of abdominal tuberculosis presenting as acute surgical emergency: Relevance in 21st century, a case series

BACKGROUND

Abdominal tuberculosis presenting as acute surgical emergency continues to be a major issue in developing countries including India. Being an indolent disease with varied presentation, there is a need to describe the epidemiology, clinicopathological nature of the disease. Hence, this series was conducted with the aim of describing our institutional experience in the management of abdominal tuberculosis presenting as acute surgical emergency, outlining the epidemiology, management aspects and the analysis of risk factors for poor outcome in our population.

METHODS

This was a descriptive series of patients operated for abdominal tuberculosis presenting as acute surgical emergency at a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India from January 2021 to January 2022. All consecutive patients presenting with intestinal obstruction or peritonitis who underwent laparotomy with intra operative and histopathological finding suggestive of tuberculosis were taken for the study.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients with acute abdominal tuberculosis were included in the study. 56.7% of patients were males; the mean age of presentation was 43 years with majority of patients in the younger to middle age groups. Most (80%) patients were from rural areas with limited access to healthcare. One patient had co-infection with HIV. Five patients had diabetes and six patients had hypertension as co-morbidities. 73.3% of patients had primary intestinal tuberculosis. Majority (76.7%) presented with acute intestinal obstruction. All patients had colicky abdominal pain as a consistent feature. 40% of patients were anaemic and 70% had low serum albumin levels. The most common site of affection was Ileo-cecal region (73.3%) with stricture as the pathology. Segmental resection with end to end anastomosis was the most common procedure performed (46.7%). 26.7% of patients had an adverse post operative complication, and 23.3% had surgical site infection (SSI). The mortality rate in our series was 6.7%. Although coexisting SSI, co-morbidities were associated with increased mortality, it was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.08). 16 patients were lost to follow up.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal tuberculosis presenting as acute abdomen continues to challenge surgeons even in the 21st century. Majority in the developing countries present late with varied complications. A high index of clinical suspicion is required for timely diagnosis to reduce the mortality and morbidity of the disease.

Clinical, laboratory and evolutionary features of abdominal tuberculosis in comparison with other forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis is a multisystem disease that might affect any organ. Abdominal tuberculosis (ABT) represents 5-17% from all extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) sites. We aimed to study the clinical, laboratory and evolutionary features of ABT cases and to identify predictive factors associated with ABT.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study including all patients hospitalized in the infectious diseases department for EPT between 1991 and 2019. We studied the characteristics of ABT cases, and we compared them with other EPT cases.

RESULTS

We identified 519 patients with EPT, among whom 86 (16.6%) patients had ABT. There were 58 females (67.4%). Peritoneal tuberculosis was the most common clinical form of ABT (68.6%), followed by intestinal tuberculosis (18.6%). Patients aged 60 years and above were significantly less affected with ABT (odds ratio (OR) = 0.2; p = 0.001). The revealing systemic symptoms including fever (OR = 2.04; p = 0.006), weight loss (OR = 2.5; p < 0.001) and anorexia (OR = 1.7; p = 0.021) were significantly more frequent among ABT patients. Inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein levels (37 [10-89] mg/l vs 10 [4-57] mg/l; p < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (43 [15-95] mm/h vs 27 [15-60] mm/h; p = 0.044) were significantly higher among ABT cases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that anorexia (adjusted OR (AOR) = 1.9; p = 0.015) and pulmonary involvement (AOR = 3.3; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of higher rate of ABT. Concomitant involvement of neuro-meningeal (AOR = 0.18; p = 0.001) and osteo-articular (AOR = 0.2; p = 0.01) sites, 40-59 (AOR = 0.2; p < 0.001) and ≥60 (AOR = 0.2; p < 0.001) age groups as well as hemoglobin rate (AOR = 0.7; p < 0.001) were independently associated with lower rate of ABT.

CONCLUSIONS

Anorexia and pulmonary involvement were independent predictors of higher rate of ABT. Concomitant involvement of neuro-meningeal and osteo-articular sites, 40-59 and ≥60 age groups and hemoglobin rate were independently associated with lower rate of ABT.

Abdominal tuberculosis in a tertiary care centre in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

Abdominal tuberculosis (ATB) is the second most common type of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Though it does not usually pose a significant risk of infectivity, ATB can go unidentified and progress to disseminated infection. The aim of this study is to highlight the incidence and outcome of this infection in a tertiary care centre in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we included all ATB patients admitted to our centre between January 1 ^st, 2010 and December 31, 2018. A total of 42 patients with a median age of 49 (range 18-83 years, 78.6% males) were identified.

RESULTS

The most common presentation was abdominal pain, weight loss, and abdominal distension. All the patients were HIV negative; however, 50% had a comorbid condition, mainly diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and liver cirrhosis. Tuberculous peritonitis was the predominant type of ATB. Suspicious and potentially malignant abdominal masses appeared on the abdominal CT scans of six patients. This suggest that TB should be excluded in patients from endemic area presenting with abdominal masses. All patients received standard anti-tuberculous medication for an average duration of 7.4 months. The outcome was excellent with 88%% achieving complete response. Adjunctive corticosteroids were not used, and none of the patients had a surgical complication.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of ATB is challenging. It can mimic inflammatory bowel disease in young populations and malignancy in middle-aged and elderly population. For this reason, a high index of suspicion with prompt treatment is required to improve the prognosis and prevent complications.

Temporal trends in the misdiagnosis rates between Crohn’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis

AIM

To investigate the temporal trends in the misdiagnosis rate between Crohn’s disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) in South Korea.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients managed for CD or ITB at Asan Medical Center, a tertiary referral hospital, Seoul, Korea between 1996 and 2014. The temporal trends in the misdiagnosis rates between the two diseases were analyzed. The demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between CD patients who were initially misdiagnosed as ITB (final CD group) and vice versa (final ITB group). Final diagnostic criteria for ITB and medication for CD before definite diagnosis of TB were also analyzed in final ITB group.

RESULTS

In total, 2760 patients were managed for CD and 772 patients for ITB between 1996 and 2014. As well, 494 of the 2760 CD patients (17.9%) were initially misdiagnosed as ITB and 83 of the 772 ITB patients (10.8%) as CD. The temporal trend in misdiagnosing CD as ITB showed a decrease (OR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.87-0.91, P < 0.001), whereas the temporal trend in misdiagnosing ITB as CD showed an increase (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.11, P = 0.013). Age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, and proportion of patients with active/past perianal fistula and active/inactive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) were significantly different between final CD group and final ITB group. Forty patients (48.2%) in final ITB group were diagnosed by favorable response to empirical anti-TB treatment. Seventeen patients (20.5%) in final ITB group had inappropriately received corticosteroids and/or thiopurines due to misdiagnosis as CD. However, there were no mortalities in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Cases of CD misdiagnosed as ITB have been decreasing, whereas cases of ITB misdiagnosed as CD have been increasing over the past two decades.

Ileocolonoscopic findings in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a single center retrospective study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In some Western countries, up to 50% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have subclinical gut inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and severity of gut inflammation and to determine clinical factors associated with colonic inflammation in Korean AS patients who performed ileocolonoscopy without evidence of established inf lammatory bowel diseases before.

METHODS

One hundred and eight AS patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on gross ileocolonoscopic findings; patients with inflammatory lesions, and patients without inflammatory lesions.

RESULTS

Inf lammatory lesions in ileocolonoscopic findings were found in 40 patients. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-reactive protein was higher in the group with inflammatory lesions and gut lesions were found often in the terminal ileum. The risk of inflammatory lesions was higher for AS patients whose symptoms required ileocolonoscopy than for AS patients who underwent routine ileocolonoscopy screening (odds ratio, 3.96). However, abnormal lesions were detected also in 17.6% of the patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy for routine screening and most of them were erosion and ulcer. Among patients with inflammatory lesions (n = 40), 23 showed subclinical gut inflammation associated with AS and 17 were diagnosed finally as Crohn's disease (n = 12), intestinal tuberculosis (n = 4), and ulcerative colitis (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that ileocolonoscopy might be recommended regularly in AS patients even without gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in the patients with high AS activity.

Case series of acute presentation of abdominal TB in Ghana

We report on a six-year prospective study to determine the presentation and outcome of acute abdominal TB at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Between January 1998 and December 2003, material for biopsy including resected bowel was taken from all cases of acute abdomen, which at laparotomy were suspected as one or other form of abdominal TB. TB-positive cases were then retrospectively analysed for clinical presentation and outcome of surgical treatment. There were 96 histologically proven cases of abdominal TB, 60 in women and 36 in men. Seventy patients (72.9%) were admitted as acute intestinal obstruction with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, distension and fluid levels on abdominal X-ray. Twenty-two (22.9%) patients were admitted as acute diffused peritonitis - with generalized abdominal tenderness, guarding and rebound and four (4.2%) as acute appendicitis. There were 74 emergency bowel resections (77% resection rate) for 34 ileocaecal masses, 16 strictures, 10 perforations and 14 adhesions, with a mortality of 4.2%. Previous series from our subregion have reported similar emergency resection mortality rates for other abdominal conditions. All the patients received postoperative anti-TB therapy. This paper notes that acute intestinal obstruction is the most common acute presentation of abdominal TB in our environment. The results of emergency resection compare favourably with resection for other acute abdominal conditions.

Tuberculous Appendicitis in India

Tuberculous appendicitis (TBA) is a rare condition. The present study has been conducted to study its prevalence and presentation. This retrospective study was performed in the Department of Surgery, NSCB Government Medical College, Jabalpur, MP, India, in 870 consecutive appendectomies performed between January 1991 and December 2000. Of 870 consecutive appendicular specimens, 10 cases of primary (1.1%) and 16 of secondary TBA (1.8%) were encountered. Results of all pre-operative investigations were non-specific and the diagnosis was made only after histopathology. The prevalence of TBA in this study was 2.9%. Although it is a rare condition, its possibility should be kept inmind by clinicians as well as pathologists. All surgically removed appendix specimens should be histopathologically examined, whether or not the specimens are macroscopically normal. Given anti-tubercular treatment in addition to appendectomy, patients recover without complications.

Intermittent Directly Observed Therapy for Abdominal Tuberculosis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing 6 Months Versus 9 Months of Therapy

BACKGROUND

The duration of treatment of gastrointestinal tuberculosis continues to be a matter of debate. The World Health Organization advocates intermittent directly observed short-course therapy (DOTs), but there is a lack of data of its efficacy in abdominal tuberculosis. We therefore conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare 6 months and 9 months of antituberculosis therapy using DOTs.

METHODS

One hundred ninety-seven patients with abdominal tuberculosis (gastrointestinal, 154; peritoneal, 40; mixed, 3) were randomized to receive 6 months (n = 104) or 9 months (n = 93) of antituberculosis therapy using intermittent directly observed therapy. Patients were followed up 1 year after completion of treatment to assess recurrence. Patients were evaluated for primary endpoint (complete clinical response, partial response, and no response) and secondary endpoint (recurrence of the disease at the end of 1 year of follow-up).

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 randomized groups. There was no difference between the 6-month group and 9-month group in the complete clinical response rate on per-protocol analysis (91.5% vs 90.8%; P = .88) or intent-to-treat analysis (75% vs 75.8%; P = .89). Only 1 patient in the 9-month group and no patients in the 6-month group had recurrence of disease. Side effects occurred in 21 (21.3%) and 16 (18.2%) patients in the 6-month and 9-month groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in efficacy of antituberculosis therapy delivered for either 6 months or 9 months in either gastrointestinal or peritoneal tuberculosis, confirming the efficacy of intermittent directly observed therapy.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01124929.

HIV-associated tuberculosis in Auckland

AIM

New Zealand has low rates of disease caused by to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This study is the first to describe a New Zealand cohort of patients with HIV-associated TB.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records, laboratory data and chest radiographs of all patients who were diagnosed with HIV-associated TB and who commenced treatment for TB disease at Auckland City Hospital between January 1997 and July 2009.

RESULTS

During the 12-and-a-half year study period, 40 patients were diagnosed with HIV-associated TB. The median age was 37 years and the median CD4 count was 130 cells/mm3. Only 2 patients were New Zealand born. Twenty-four (60%) patients had known HIV infection prior to their diagnosis of TB disease. Two patients with known HIV infection and positive tuberculin skin tests had not received treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Twenty-three (58%) patients received antiretroviral treatment during their TB treatment. There were 21 episodes of treatment interruption or immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Three (8%) patients died.

CONCLUSIONS

New Zealand continues to have a low incidence of HIV-associated TB. Early HIV diagnosis with universal screening and the treatment of LTBI in persons living with HIV infection is key to minimising the disease burden.

[Extrapulmonary tuberculosis]

Each year, there are more than eight million new cases of tuberculosis and 1.3 million deaths. There is a renewed interest in extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis as its relative frequency increases. Among extrapulmonary organs, pleura and lymph nodes are the most common. Their diagnosis is often difficult and is based on clinical, radiological, bacteriological and histological findings. Extrapulmonary lesions are paucibacillary and samplings, in most cases, difficult to obtain, so diagnosis is often simply presumptive. Nucleic acid amplification tests, which are fast and specific, have greatly facilitated the diagnosis of some forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, their sensitivity is poor and a negative test does not eliminate the diagnosis. Treatment is the same as for pulmonary forms, but its duration is nine to 12 months for central nervous system and for bone tuberculosis. Corticosteroids are indicated in meningeal and pericardial localizations. Complementary surgery is used for certain complicated forms.

Analysis of recent cases of intestinal tuberculosis in Japan

In Japan, which ranks first among developed countries in the incidence of tuberculosis, intestinal tuberculosis should be regarded as an important disease. However, few studies of this condition have recently been reported. We analyzed nine patients treated at our hospital during and after 2000. Our results differ from those of previous studies in that many of the patients were healthy, not elderly, had primary intestinal tuberculosis and presented with non-gastrointestinal symptoms. All seven patients tested were found to be whole blood interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)-positive. These results suggest that IGRA is useful as an adjunct method for diagnosing intestinal tuberculosis.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: 7 year-experience of a tertiary center in Istanbul

BACKGROUND

Although a decreasing trend of tuberculosis (TB) was reported in Turkey, higher proportion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) was revealed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, clinical and laboratory data of 141 EPT patients were evaluated for a seven-year period by using descriptive statistics, and parametric and non-parametric tests where appropriate.

RESULTS

The most frequent types of EPT were meningeal TB (23%) and TB lymphadenitis (21%), respectively. Other types of EPT were skeletal, miliary, peritoneal, abscess, genitourinarial, cutaneous and gastrointestinal involvement which ranged between 18% and 1%. Mean age was 42 and female/male ratio was almost equal. All patients were born in Turkey. Although all of them were permanent residents of Istanbul, 73% of the patients came from East and Southeast Region of Turkey. For the patients, being older than 40 years old (p<0.01), having miliary TB (p<0.05) and high CRP levels (p<0.05) were found to be associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

EPT still remains as a significant morbidity and mortality reason in lower income populations and developing countries. In our study, although all patients were residents of Istanbul approximately two thirds of them have migrated from East and Southeast parts of the country. The relatively high prevalence of tuberculosis cases in Istanbul may be due to the permanent migration from other parts of the country. Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are the keys for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with EPT, particularly in the cases of older ages.

[Gastrointestinal tuberculosis: a deceptive disease]

Incidence of tuberculosis has increased in the Netherlands in recent years, especially among immigrants. Nearly half of all patients with tuberculosis have extrapulmonary disease; in 5% of these patients it is localized in the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the low incidence of gastrointestinal tuberculosis we recently established this diagnosis in three of our patients, who demonstrated tuberculosis within the oesophagus, colon and pancreas, respectively. They were successfully treated, but only after a long diagnostic process.

Abdominal tuberculosis: epidemiologic profile and management experience of 233 cases

OBJECTIVE

To document the epidemiologic profile and management outcome of patients with abdominal tuberculosis in a tertiary care setup.

METHODS

This descriptive case series was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, between January 2003 and December 2008. All adult patients of either gender who presented with abdominal tuberculosis and were managed at our hospital during the study period were included in the study on the basis of convenience sampling. Numerical data were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation, while categorical data were analysed using SPSS version 10. Chi square test was conducted to compare categorical variables.

RESULTS

Of the 233 adult patients with abdominal tuberculosis who were part of the study, 110 (47.21%) were males and 123 (52.78%) females. The mean age was 28.21 +/- 5.75 years. Majority of our patients (80.68%) belonged to poor families. History of concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis was found in 23 (9.87%) patients. Family history of tuberculosis was found in 13 (5.57%) patients. Of the patients 157 (67.38%) presented with acute abdomen; strictures were the most common operative finding (n = 161; 69%); the patients needing hospitalisation were 204 (87.55%), with the mean hospital stay being 19.55 +/- 4.51 days. The in-hospital mortality was 5 (2.14%).

CONCLUSION

Abdominal tuberculosis was found prevalent in the population and predominantly affected the younger lot belonging to the poor socioeconomic strata. Majority of the cases were of primary intestinal variety, and in a small proportion it was secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Majority of the patients presented with complications such as acute intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation and peritonitis, necessitating emergency laparotomy.

Tuberculous appendix: a review of clinical presentations and outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculous appendix is surprisingly rare, even in countries where this infection is common. We report our experience with tuberculous appendix over a 15-year period.

METHODS

A search for cases of tuberculous appendix was conducted from January 1995 to December 2009 on the databases of the National Tuberculosis Centre and the Departments of Pathology and Surgery of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.

RESULTS

There were five cases of tuberculous appendix, giving a cumulative incidence of 0.08 percent of all appendectomies (n is 6,593), 0.2 percent of tuberculosis (TB) cases (n is 2,876) and 8.6 percent of abdominal TB (n is 58). Three patients were male and two were female, with a median age of 27 (range 25-48) years. Four patients presented with symptoms of acute appendicitis and one with an appendiceal mass following treatment for acute gastroenteritis. Only one patient had constitutional symptoms. Four patients had appendectomies (one laparoscopic and three open) within the same admission and one had interval appendectomy. Operative findings included perforated appendix (n is 1), appendiceal mass (n is 1) and acute appendicitis (n is 3). In all cases, the diagnoses were made only after review of the histology. None of the patients had pulmonary TB. Delay in initiating anti-TB treatment in one patient resulted in the development of an ileocutaneous fistula following appendectomy. This was resolved by excision, followed by anti-TB treatment.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculous appendix can present as acute appendicitis, and the diagnosis is often made after surgery. Any delay in treatment can lead to significant complications.

Predictors of clinical and endoscopic findings in differentiating Crohn's disease from intestinal tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

There are many similarities and overlaps in clinical manifestations and ileocolonoscopic features between Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB). Differentiation between CD and ITB is of great importance.

AIM

To investigate the values of clinical and endoscopic findings in differential diagnosis between CD and ITB.

METHODS

Clinical and endoscopic features of a cohort of 130 cases of CD and 122 cases of ITB from June 2003 to February 2009 were retrospectively reviewed following predetermined criteria. Parameters were screened by logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the diagnostic efficacy of screened parameters was analyzed by regression equation (mathematical model) and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve).

RESULTS

The clinical features helpful in differentiating CD from ITB are hematochezia, intestinal surgery, perianal diseases, pulmonary tuberculosis, ascites, and positive of PPD skin test; the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of regression mathematical model established by clinical features were 90.3, 76.8, 83.8, 80.7, and 88.0%, respectively. The endoscopic features helpful in differentiating CD from ITB were rectum involved lesions, longitudinal ulcer, cobblestone appearance, fixed-open ileocecal valve, transverse ulcer, and rodent ulcer; the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of regression mathematical model established by endoscopic features were 82.9, 82.0, 82.5, 82.9, and 82.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

It was proposed that a diagnostic algorithm based on available clinical and endoscopic regression equation could improve the current sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in differentiating between CD from ITB.

Intestinal tuberculosis in a celiac disease patient

Both intestinal tuberculosis and celiac disease can cause malnutrition and failure to thrive. High index of suspicion is required to diagnose intestinal tuberculosis in a known case of celiac disease as both conditions present with similar complaints. We report a case of celiac disease with intestinal tuberculosis and perforation peritonitis.

Spectrum of clinical presentation and surgical management of intestinal tuberculosis at tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis can involve gastrointestinal tract anywhere from mouth to anus, the peritoneum and pancreatobiliary system. It has varied clinical presentations sometimes mimicking other common abdominal diseases. Tuberculosis continues to be a major problem especially in developing countries, being responsible for 7-10 million new cases and 6 per cent of deaths worldwide annually. Objective was to assess and evaluate various clinical presentations and management of intestinal tuberculosis at Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro/Hyderabad.

METHODS

This 3-year descriptive study was conducted on patients with diagnosed intestinal tuberculosis (by histopathology) in Surgical Unit-I, from January 2006 to December 2008. Detailed history and clinical examination was performed in all the cases. Investigations like Blood CP and ESR, Urea, RBS Electrolytes, Serum A/G Ratio, Ultrasound abdomen, X-Ray chest and abdomen were carried out in all the cases while barium meal, follow through and CT Scan abdomen were performed in selected cases. Preoperative assessment of anatomical site and variety of lesions were also noted.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients with diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis were admitted and operated. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. Among these, 28 (46.7%) were male, and 32 (54.1%) were female. Variable clinical presentations were seen. Majority of patients (46, 76.7%) had abdominal pain, 26 (43.3%) had vomiting; abdominal distension was seen in 22 (36.7%) cases, diarrhoea and constipation in 16 patients (26.7%) and abdominal mass in 14 patients (23.3%). Majority of patients had ulcerostenotic type of tuberculosis. Single stricture of ileum was seen in 15 (25%) while multiple strictures were seen in 13 (21.7%). Ileal perforation was seen in 6 (10%) patients. Weight loss was seen in 40 (66.7%) patients, fever 36 (60%), night sweats 30 (50%), anorexia in 30 (50%) and pulmonary tuberculosis in 18 (30%) patients. Resection and anastomosis was performed on 24 (40%) cases, right hemicolectomy on 22 (36.7%), stricturoplasty on 8 (13.3%), adhesionolysis on 4 (6.7%), and Ileostomy on 2 (3.3%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal pain, vomiting, fever and weight loss are the commonest symptoms in abdominal tuberculosis. Single and multiple strictures in the ileum, and mass in the ileocaecal region were the commonest lesions. Definitive surgical procedure like resection and anastomosis, stricturoplasty and right hemicolectomy are the main surgical options.

Tuberculous anal fistulas--prevalence and clinical features in an endemic area

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in anal fistulas at a referral hospital in Cape Town, and to document the clinical features and course of patients with tuberculous anal fistulas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study of all patients who underwent surgery for anal fistulas at the Colorectal Surgery Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, from 2004 to 2006. Tissue was submitted for histopathological examination, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and TB culture. The patients with proven TB were followed up until January 2008.

RESULTS

During the 3-year study period, 117 operations were performed on 96 patients. TB was diagnosed in 7 of the 96 patients (7.3%). In 5 of these 7 cases, the diagnosis of TB could be proven on histological examination and ZN staining, while in 2 cases the diagnosis could only be made on TB culture. None of the 7 patients had systemic features suggestive of TB, and only 1 had evidence of TB on a chest radiograph, Five patients were HIV-negative, and 2 declined testing. After a median follow-up of 2 years, 5 of 7 patients had evidence of recurrent or persistent fistulas, despite having completed 6 months of TB treatment.

CONCLUSION

At a referral hospital in an endemic area, TB was present in 7.3% of anal fistulas. Histopathological examination including ZN staining was inadequate to make the diagnosis in a third of these patients. Tissue from anal fistulas should therefore routinely be sent for TB culture as well as histopathological examination and ZN staining in areas where TB is prevalent.

Abdominal tuberculosis in southeastern Taiwan: 20 years of experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary TB. This disease entity can be overlooked, and its early diagnosis is difficult because of its variable manifestations and lack of specific symptoms.

METHODS

The clinical and diagnostic features, treatment, and outcome of patients with abdominal TB at a major hospital in southeastern Taiwan from January 1987 to December 2006 were investigated.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with abdominal TB identified during the 20-year period were included. A predominance of male (13/21, 61.9%) and Taiwanese aborigine (15/21, 71.4%) patients was noted. Middle-aged (30-50 years) patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis had the highest risk. Common presenting features included abdominal pain (18/21, 85.7%), fever (16/21, 76.2%), ascites (13/21, 61.9%), and weight loss (12/21, 57.3%). The mean time to reach a diagnosis was 48 +/- 10 days. Tuberculous peritonitis was noted in 11 patients, with a high correlation with liver cirrhosis (p = 0.0237, Fisher's exact test). The other patients were diagnosed with TB of the gastrointestinal tract (n = 6), urinary tract (n = 2), and pelvis (n = 2). Abdominal sonography and abdominal computed tomography were helpful for diagnosis, by revealing ascites and thickening of the peritoneum. Pulmonary involvement was noted in 11 patients. Most of the patients (16/21, 76.2%) improved with anti-tuberculosis therapy, and five patients died from sepsis and respiratory failure.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal TB is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary TB, even in southeastern Taiwan where TB is prevalent. Delay in diagnosis is common and abdominal TB should be included in the differential diagnosis of middle-aged aborigine men with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and peritonitis.

[The changes in incidence of Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis in Korea]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) has been steadily increasing in Korea due to westernized life style and widely used imaging studies such as colonoscopy. There were few studies about the status of longterm trend of CD and intestinal tuberculosis (IT). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the trend of CD and IT in Korea.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of newly diagnosed 65 patients with CD and 54 patients with IT at Chonnam National University Hospital between January 1998 and August 2007.

RESULTS

Between 1998 and 2002, 16 and 40 patients were newly diagnosed as having CD and IT respectively, but between 2003 and 2007, 39 and 14 patients were newly diagnosed as having CD and IT respectively. CD patients (28.2+/-15.2 years) were younger than IT (46.2+/-18.5 years) (p=0.001). The male to female ratio of CD and IT were 2:1 and 1.1:1, respectively. The most common symptom of CD and IT was abdominal pain. Longitudinal ulceration, hyperemia, luminal narrowing, pseudopolyp, and cobble stone appearance were more common in CD than in IT (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

While the incidence of CD has increased, the incidence of IT has fallen over the last decade.

Abdominal tuberculosis in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) alone or with disseminated TB is known to mimic other conditions with non-specific investigation findings. This study aims to evaluate the clinical presentations and investigation findings of patients in our setting. The clinical records of 47 patients diagnosed as abdominal TB between January 1986 and December 2005 at the Wesley Guild Hospital Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, were reviewed. Fifty-five percent of the patients were women and mean age was 28 years. Common presenting symptoms and signs were abdominal pain 76.6%; ascites 59.6%; weight loss 53.2%; fever 29.8%. Average duration of symptoms before presentation was 3 months. Thirteen percent of patients had earlier been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis in the hospital. ESR was elevated in 89%, ultrasound scans of abdomen were abnormal in 68%, showing ascites, hepatomegaly and or enlarged nodes. Mantoux test was positive in 33% and ascitic fluid was diagnostic for TB in 29%. Chest X-ray showed abnormal findings in 25% of the patients and sputum was positive for AFB in 14.3%. Three patients were HIV positive. Forty patients (85.1%) recovered after receiving anti-TB drugs for a period of 9-12 months. Seven patients, including the three with HIV infection died. Death of 2 patients was due to unrelated causes. We conclude that abdominal TB should be suspected in patients with chronic abdominal condition and ascites as no laboratory or radiological finding is gold standard in its diagnosis. However the condition carries good prognosis if promptly diagnosed and treated.

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease in India where tuberculosis is widely prevalent

AIM

To define the parameters that positively predict diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) and differentiate it from gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB).

METHODS

This prospective study over 3 years was carried out in the consecutive Indian patients with definite diagnosis of CD and equal numbers of patients with definite diagnosis of GITB. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, morphological and histological features were noted in all the patients. Serological tests such as p-ANCA, c-ANCA, IgA ASCA and IgG ASCA, were performed. Endoscopic biopsy and/or surgical tissue specimens were subjected to smear and culture for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and tissue polymerase chain reaction for tuberculosis (TB PCR). Diagnosis of CD and GITB was based on the standard criteria. Data were analyzed using univariate Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression (MLR).

RESULTS

The study is comprised of 26 patients with CD (age 36.6 +/- 8.6 year, male:female, 16:10) and 26 patients with GITB (age 37.2 +/- 9.6 year, male:female, 15:11). The following clinical variables between the two groups (CD vs TB) were significant in univariate analysis: duration of symptoms (58.1 +/- 9.8 vs 7.2 +/- 3.4 mo), diarrhoea (69.2% vs 34.6%), bleeding per rectum (30.7% vs 3.8%), fever (23.1% vs 69.2%), ascites (7.7% vs 34.6%) and extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (61.5% vs 23.1%). Of these, all except ascites and extra-colonic manifestations were found statistically significant by MLR. Accuracy of predicting CD was 84.62% based on the fever, bleeding P/R, diarrhoea and duration of symptoms while it was 63.4% when histology was reported as inflammatory bowel disease and 42.3% when there was recurrence of disease after surgery. Accuracy of predicting GITB was 73.1% when there was co-existing pulmonary lesions and/or abdominal lymphadenopathy; 75% when tuberculosis was reported in histology; 63.4% when granuloma was found in histology; 82.6% when TB PCR was positive; and 61.5% when smear and/ or culture was positive for AFB. Serological test was not useful in differentiation of CD from GITB. Positivity rates for CD and GITB were: p-ANCA- 3.8% and 3.8%, c-ANCA- 3.8% and 0%, IgA ASCA- 38.4% and 23.1%, and IgG ASCA- 38.4% and 42.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Simple clinical parameters like fever, bleeding P/R, diarrhoea and duration of symptoms have the highest accuracy in differentiating CD from GITB.

Clinical profile and outcome of abdominal tuberculosis in Indian children

INTRODUCTION

Diagnosis of tuberculosis among children poses technical and operational challenges, more so in abdominal tuberculosis (ATB), where the protean clinical manifestations continue to challenge the physicians in its diagnosis and therapy.

METHODS

Medical records of 115 patients who were diagnosed with ATB over a period of six years were studied retrospectively. Details of history, physical examination and investigations, treatment and outcome of therapy were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 6.4 years. Commonest symptom at presentation was abdominal pain, followed by fever. Nine patients presented with acute abdomen. Mantoux test was positive in 33 percent and accelerated BCG reaction was found in 36.5 percent. Evidence of primary focus was found in 40 percent of chest radiographs. Commonest ultrasonography and computed tomography findings were mesenteric thickening, followed by intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. Tuberculous infection could be confirmed in 38 patients. The classical plastic variety was the commonest type of ATB found. A complete cure with antituberculous drugs was documented in over 90 percent of the patients.

CONCLUSION

In high prevalence zones, ATB should be considered as a differential diagnosis in children presenting with non-specific constitutional symptoms and abdominal pain. When confirmatory tests are negative or not available, supportive investigations and clinical suspicion should be considered strongly for diagnosis of ATB to avoid delay in treatment. Response to therapy in such conditions indirectly confirms diagnosis. Timely use of laparoscopy and laparotomy may be required for confirmation of diagnosis.

A single surgical unit's experience with abdominal tuberculosis in the HIV/AIDS era

INTRODUCTION

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has resulted in a resurgence of abdominal tuberculosis in South Africa, and these patients often present to general surgeons. We describe a single-hospital experience in a region of high HIV prevalence.

METHODS

A prospective database of all patients with suspected abdominal tuberculosis was maintained from January 2003 until July 2005.

RESULTS

There were 67 patients (20 men, 47 women) with an average age of 32 years (range 27-61 years). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was universally elevated (105 +/- 23). Altogether, 23 patients were HIV-positive and 7 were HIV-negative. The status was unknown in the remainder. Chest radiographs demonstrated an abnormality in 17 patients (22%). Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 59 patients and computed tomography in 12. Twelve laparotomies were performed, seven as emergencies. None in the elective laparotomy group died, whereas the mortality rate in the emergency group was 60%. Laparoscopy was insufficient for a variety of reasons. Two patients underwent appendectomy and two excision of a perianal fistula. Two patients underwent biopsy of a palpable subcutaneous node, which confirmed the diagnosis in both cases. A definitive diagnosis was achieved in all 12 patients subjected to laparotomy and at colonoscopic biopsy in 2, lymph node biopsy in 2, appendectomy in 2, perianal fistulectomy in 2, and percutaneous drainage in 2. In the remaining 47 patients the diagnosis was made on the basis of the clinical presentation and radiologic imaging. The patients were commenced on antituberculous therapy. The in-hospital mortality in this group was 10%. Therapy was continued at a centralized tuberculosis facility independent of the hospital. Surgical follow-up was poor, with only five (7%) patients completing the 6-month review at a surgical clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

A resurgence in tuberculosis during the HIV era produces a new spectrum of presentations for the surgeon. Emergency surgery is associated with high mortality. Bacterial and histologic evidence of infection are difficult to obtain, and indirect clinical and imaging evidence are used to commence a trial of therapy. A short-term clinical response is regarded as proof of disease. Lack of follow-up means that the efficacy of this strategy is unproven. Health policy changes are needed to enable appropriate surgical follow-up to determine the most effective management algorithm.

Review article: the diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease in populations with high-risk rates for tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Distinguishing Crohn's disease from intestinal tuberculosis in endemic areas is challenging as both conditions have overlapping clinical, radiological, endoscopic and histological characteristics. Furthermore, high rates of latent tuberculosis confer a considerable risk of reactivation once therapy for established Crohn's disease is started.

AIM

To review current strategies in differentiating these two conditions, and in managing Crohn's disease, in populations with high rates of tuberculosis.

METHODS

Literature review and clinical experience.

RESULTS

While various clinical, radiological, endoscopic and histological parameters may aid in differentiating Crohn's disease from intestinal tuberculosis, these remain imperfect and as treatment options differ misdiagnosis has grave consequences. We propose a diagnostic algorithm, based on currently available evidence and experience, to aid in this dilemma. We also discuss approaches to the management of Crohn's disease, including agents targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha, in patients at risk of developing tuberculosis.

CONCLUSIONS

A diagnosis of Crohn's disease in individuals at risk for tuberculosis should only be made after careful interpretation of clinical signs, abdominal imaging and systematic endoscopic and histological assessment. Newer techniques for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis still need to be validated in this environment, and guidelines on the treatment of latent tuberculosis in this setting require clarification.

Intestinal tuberculosis in a regional hospital in Hong Kong: a 10-year experience

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with intestinal tuberculosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

Patients with intestinal tuberculosis diagnosed between January 1995 and December 2004 inclusive.

RESULTS

The median age of the 13 male and 9 female patients was 53 years (range, 12-81 years). Nineteen (86%) had a definitive diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis confirmed by the presence of caseating granulomas and/or acid-fast bacilli in histological specimens. In three (14%) the diagnosis was based on histology revealing non-caseating granulomas and a positive response to anti-tuberculous treatment. Common symptoms included abdominal pain (82%), diarrhoea (55%), weight loss (55%), and fever (45%). Three (14%) of the patients were complicated by intestinal obstruction, and another two (9%) had intestinal perforation. Four (18%) had concomitant active pulmonary tuberculosis. The most frequently involved site was the ileocaecal region, which was affected in 19 (86%) patients. Other sites included the jejunum, ascending and sigmoid colon. The diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis was facilitated by examination of colonoscopic biopsy specimens (11 patients), and by examination of resected surgical specimens in the remainder. Two patients died from terminal malignancy. The remainder completed anti-tuberculous therapy and responded satisfactorily.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis is difficult due to the lack of specific signs or symptoms. Colonoscopy with ileoscopy are useful tools in the search for colonic and terminal ileal tuberculosis. Surgical exploration is reserved for equivocal cases and for those who present as emergencies.

[Acute intestinal tuberculosis]

AIM OF STUDY

To report cases from Vietnam of intestinal tuberculosis disease, which is uncommon but did not disappear in occidental countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-six patients were included in this retrospective study. Mean age was 40 years and sex ratio M/F was 6. Diagnosis was established on pathological examination of resected specimen or on presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Intestinal obstruction or subobstruction was the most usual symptom (68%), and thereafter peritoneal symptoms with pain and tenderness (17%). Five patients had intractable digestive haemorrhage. Thirty-six patients had no past history or active pulmonary tuberculosis (47%). Lesions of stenosis on barium enema and thickness of intestinal wall on CT-scan were not specific. Sixty-two patients were operated on (82%) and 14 were not. Surgical techniques differed according symptoms, site and type of lesions. Intestinal resections were performed in half of the patients, others undergoing stomies or enterolysis. There were eight postoperative deaths (13% of patients operated on), seven out of these deaths were attributable to cachexy. In the postoperative period, all the patients were medically treated and follow-up in the antituberculosis centre of Hanoi.

CONCLUSION

Symptomatology and operative findings of intestinal tuberculosis are similar to those observed in Crohn's disease, and sometimes in amoeboma or lymphoma. In face of stenosis and intestinal wall thickness, probability of intestinal tuberculosis is high in endemic area, but diagnosis must be suspected in occidental countries, mainly in patients immigrated coming from these areas, patients with immuno-deficiency even if they did not have past or present pulmonary tuberculosis.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: an overview

In the 1980s, after a steady decline during preceding decades, there was a resurgence in the rate of tuberculosis in the United States that coincided with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic. Disease patterns since have changed, with a higher incidence of disseminated and extrapulmonary disease now found. Extrapulmonary sites of infection commonly include lymph nodes, pleura, and osteoarticular areas, although any organ can be involved. The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis can be elusive, necessitating a high index of suspicion. Physicians should obtain a thorough history focusing on risk behaviors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and tuberculosis. Antituberculous therapy can minimize morbidity and mortality but may need to be initiated empirically. A negative smear for acid-fast bacillus, a lack of granulomas on histopathology, and failure to culture Mycobacterium tuberculosis do not exclude the diagnosis. Novel diagnostic modalities such as adenosine deaminase levels and polymerase chain reaction can be useful in certain forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. In general, the same regimens are used to treat pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and responses to antituberculous therapy are similar in patients with HIV infection and in those without. Treatment duration may need to be extended for central nervous system and skeletal tuberculosis, depending on drug resistance, and in patients who have a delayed or incomplete response. Adjunctive corticosteroids may be beneficial in patients with tuberculous meningitis, tuberculous pericarditis, or miliary tuberculosis with refractory hypoxemia.

[Peritoneal and intestinal tuberculosis: an ancestral disease that poses new challenges in the technological era. Case report and review of the literature]

Tuberculosis is a public health problem. The most common presentation is pulmonary disease. The diagnosis of any extrapulmonary forms are quite difficult. Clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal tuberculosis are non-specific and compatible with pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, advanced ovarian cancer, deep mycosis, yersinia infection and amebomas. Abdominal form is located at 6th place of the extrapulmonary forms, after lymphatic, genitourinary, osteoarticular, miliary and meningeal infections. Eventually, 25 to 75% of patients with abdominal tuberculosis will require surgery. These procedures should be limitated with the purpose to preserve small bowel. Resection should be limitated for complicated cases. The surgical indications include: Intestinal occlusion (15-60%), perforation (1-15%), abscesses and fistulas (2-30%) and hemorrhage (2%).

CONCLUSIONS

In most of the cases, the diagnosis of peritoneal or intestinal tuberculosis is made during a laparoscopy or laparotomy even during surgery performed by different purposes. Excessive manipulation of the intraabdominal organs may produced unexpected bowel lesions, increasing morbidity and mortality. Medical treatment is highly effective in the resolution of moderate complications such as bowel obstruction. Resectional procedures should be reserved for complications like perforation, bleeding or stenosis non-suitable for stricturoplasty.

Abdominal tuberculosis

Tuberculosis can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract and is the sixth most frequent site of extrapulmonary involvement. Both the incidence and severity of abdominal tuberculosis are expected to increase with increasing incidence of HIV infection. Tuberculosis bacteria reach the gastrointestinal tract via haematogenous spread, ingestion of infected sputum, or direct spread from infected contiguous lymph nodes and fallopian tubes. The gross pathology is characterized by transverse ulcers, fibrosis, thickening and stricturing of the bowel wall, enlarged and matted mesenteric lymph nodes, omental thickening, and peritoneal tubercles. Peritoneal tuberculosis occurs in three forms : wet type with ascitis, dry type with adhesions, and fibrotic type with omental thickening and loculated ascites. The most common site of involvement of the gastrointestinal tuberculosis is the ileocaecal region. Ileocaecal and small bowel tuberculosis presents with a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant and/or complications of obstruction, perforation or malabsorption especially in the presence of stricture. Rare clinical presentations include dysphagia, odynophagia and a mid oesophageal ulcer due to oesophageal tuberculosis, dyspepsia and gastric outlet obstruction due to gastroduodenal tuberculosis, lower abdominal pain and haematochezia due to colonic tuberculosis, and annular rectal stricture and multiple perianal fistulae due to rectal and anal involvement. Chest X-rays show evidence of concomitant pulmonary lesions in less than 25 per cent of cases. Useful modalities for investigating a suspected case include small bowel barium meal, barium enema, ultrasonography, computed tomographic scan and colonoscopy. Ascitic fluid examination reveals straw coloured fluid with high protein, serum ascitis albumin gradient less than 1.1 g/dl, predominantly lymphocytic cells, and adenosine deaminase levels above 36 U/l. Laparoscopy is a very useful investigation in doubtful cases. Management is with conventional antitubercular therapy for at least 6 months. The recommended surgical procedures today are conservative and a period of preoperative drug therapy is controversial.

Incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is rising and abdominal tuberculosis is falling in Bangladeshis in East London, United Kingdom

OBJECTIVES

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) were previously thought to be uncommon and abdominal tuberculosis (TB) common in patients from Bangladesh. We have reevaluated their incidence in Bangladeshis resident in East London.

METHODS

Bangladeshis resident in Tower Hamlets presenting between 1997 and 2001 were identified from pathology, endoscopy, and medical records. Demographic, clinical, and management details were recorded. Incidences were calculated and compared with those from 1981 to 1989.

RESULTS

Sixteen Bangladeshi patients with UC, 19 with CD, and 5 with abdominal TB were identified. Between 1997 and 2001, the age-standardized incidence of UC was 8.2/10(5)/yr (95% CI 2.5-13.9) compared with 2.4 (95% CI 0.8-3.8) in 1981-1989, and that of CD was 7.3/10(5)/yr (95% CI 2.0-12.6) (2.3, 95% CI 0.7-3.7 in 1981-1989). The standardized ratios for the incidences of UC and CD in recent periods compared with previous periods were 2.1 (95% CI 0.9-3.9) and 2.5 (1.2-4.6), respectively. There was a significant increase in the number of Bangladeshis developing CD by age <20 yr between the earlier and more recent periods (p < 0.02). The standardized incidence of abdominal TB was 2.5/10(5)/yr (95% CI 0.2-4.8) in 1997-2001, and 7.4 (95% CI 2.1-12.7) in 1985-1989 (p < 0.05). The standardized ratio for the incidence of TB in the two periods was 0.22 (95% CI 0.07-0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

In Bangladeshis in East London, the incidence of IBD has increased and of abdominal TB has fallen over the last decade; CD has become a more likely diagnosis than abdominal TB. Clinicians in the Western world need to be aware of the changing incidences of IBD and abdominal TB in South Asians.

Abdominal tuberculosis in children. Report of 10 cases

BACKGROUND

Abdominal tuberculosis is a rare location of this infection with a lot of diagnostic difficulties. The aim of this study was to review our experience of pediatric abdominal tuberculosis with that of the literature data.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted over a 7-year period; 10 cases of abdominal tuberculosis in children were reviewed (6 girls and 4 boys, mean age: 11 years, extremes 4-14). Eight patients enrolled in this study satisfied the following criteria: a positive culture for mycobacterium tuberculosis on samples of ascites fluid, sputum, urine, abscess puncture and/or caseating granulomas on histologic examination of biopsies obtained by endoscopy, percutaneous aspiration or needle biopsy or exploratory laparotomy. Two other patients (patients No 1 & 5) had a favorable response within 10 weeks of antituberculous therapy.

RESULTS

We observed 8 cases of peritoneal tuberculosis and 2 cases of intestinal tuberculosis. Extra-abdominal tuberculosis was found in 4 of those patients. Two patients had a contact with a tuberculosis positive individual. Nine children had BCG immunization. The main clinical features were abdominal distension (6 cases) and abdominal pain (6 cases). Abdominal ultrasonography visualized mesenteric lymphadenopathies (6 cases), an abdominal mass (5 cases), free (1 case) and localized ascites (1 case). Barium enema and small bowell series showed small bowel stenosis (1 case) and ileal ulcerations (1 case). Exploratory laparotomy, performed in 3 patients, showed whitish granulations and peritoneal abscesses with caseous necrosis on histology. Quadruple therapy with tuberculostatic agents was prescribed in all patients, associating isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide combined at the start of the treatment with streptomycin (7 cases) and ethambutol (3 cases). Short term outcome was favorable with no deaths. The long term outcome was complicated by persistent ascites (1 case) and the development of portal hypertension (1 case).

CONCLUSION

Abdominal tuberculosis remains a rare localization with a lot of diagnostic difficulties.

Disseminated nocardiosis masquerading as abdominal tuberculosis

A 32-year-old patient was admitted with a community-acquired pneumonia. She had clinical evidence of AIDS and chest X-ray features consistent with pulmonary tuberculosis. While in the ward she developed an acute abdomen necessitating laparotomy, at which a diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis was made. Sputum and intraoperative pus specimens grew a multiresistant Nocardia brasiliensis. Microbiological investigations for tuberculosis were negative. The patient died after a short ICU admission from multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Colorectal tuberculosis

Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of colorectal tuberculosis in our series and to study its radiological spectrum. A total of 684 cases of proven gastrointestinal tuberculosis with positive barium contrast findings seen over a period of more than one decade were evaluated. The study did not include cases where colon was involved in direct contiguity with ileo-caecal tuberculosis. Seventy-four patients (10.8%) had colorectal tuberculosis. Commonest site involved was transverse colon, closely followed by rectum and ascending colon. Radiological findings observed were in the form of strictures (54%), colitis (39%) and polypoid lesions (7%). Complications noted were in the form of perforations and fistulae in 18.9% of cases. Colorectal tuberculosis is a very common site for gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Typical findings of colorectal tuberculosis are strictures, signs of colitis and polypoid lesions. Common complications are perforation and fistulae.

Ten years of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a Danish university clinic

The objective of this study was to describe the symptoms, diagnostic measures and outcomes of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (ex-TB) in a Danish university clinic from 1990 to 1999. 48 patients with ex-TB were identified retrospectively and clinical and laboratory data extracted from the patient files. The majority were immigrants from Africa (71%). A direct connection between symptoms on admission and anatomical localization of TB was found in 83%. The main localizations of ex-TB were peripheral lymph nodes (n = 15) and the abdomen (n = 19). In 73% Mycobacterium tuberculosis could be cultured. One culture was resistant to isoniazide and 1 had decreased sensitivity to isoniazide and etambutol. Two patients relapsed with TB. Some pitfalls in diagnosing TB were found, as 13% had a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate at presentation, 9% had a negative tuberculin skin test and fever was absent in 31% of the cases. The patients' subjective complaints on admission should guide the diagnostic procedures.

[Extrathoracic forms of tuberculosis in Mahajanga hospitals (Madagascar)]

Pathological samples issued from patients suspected of extrapulmonary tuberculosis were examined in Laboratories of Mycobacteria and of Histopathology at the Androva Hospital in the University Hospital Centre of Mahajanga. A retrospective study was carried out from 1989 to 1993. During this period, 64 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis were recorded. Samples came from Androva Hospital, from Lutherian Hospital of Antanimalandy and from the Medical Centre of Mahabibo. The sex-ratio was of 1.28/1, mean age was 28 years old (extreme ages: 1-78 years old). The diagnosis was confirmed by bacteriological and/or histopathological examinations. Ganglial tuberculosis were the most frequent (53.1%), then digestive tract tuberculosis (20.2%) and anal fistula tuberculosis (14%). In front of chronic lesions, biopsies must be performed to obtain confirmation of diagnosis.

Surgical management of abdominal tuberculosis

Recent reports suggest an increased incidence of abdominal tuberculosis in the United States, particularly in high-risk groups. The aim of this study was to review the spectrum of abdominal tuberculosis and its surgical management at a tertiary referral center in the United States. The medical records of patients treated for abdominal tuberculosis at our institution between January 1992 and June 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Eighteen patients were diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis by microbiologic and/or histologic examination. The 10 men and eight women had a mean duration of symptoms of 4 months (range 1 to 24 months). Five were born in the United States, and 13 were foreign born (7 Asians and 6 Africans). The United States-born patients with abdominal tuberculosis, as compared to the foreign-born patients, were older (mean age 74 years vs. 35 years), more likely to have chronic medical illnesses (80% vs. 7%), and had concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis (60% vs. 0%). Computed tomography was the most frequent imaging modality (88%); findings suggestive of abdominal tuberculosis were mesenteric/omental stranding (50%), ascites (37%), and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (31%). Seventeen of the 18 patients required operative intervention, and one patient underwent CT-guided drainage of a psoas abscess. Laparoscopy was useful for diagnosis in eight patients; laparotomy was performed for complications of abdominal tuberculosis in six patients and to obtain a tissue diagnosis in three patients. Abdominal tuberculosis continues to represent a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Among native-born white Americans, abdominal tuberculosis is primarily a disseminated disease of elderly, debilitated patients with chronic illnesses. Among foreign-born individuals, abdominal tuberculosis occurs in young, immunocompetent patients from endemic areas. Characteristic CT findings should be evaluated for abdominal tuberculosis in the appropriate clinical setting. Laparoscopy is an effective modality for diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis.

Colonic tuberculosis

Tubercle bacillus was discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch. With the introduction of chemotherapy for tuberculosis in the 1940s the incidence of this entity decreased. The incidence of the tuberculosis of the colon began to increase at the 1980s with the rise in numbers of patients considered as high risk for this entity, such as HIV-infected individuals, patients with chronic renal disease, and immunosuppressed patients with prolonged steroid therapy. We report on two patients with history of chronic abdominal pain and weight loss with a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. In one patient chest radiography revealed a miliary reticulonodular pattern. In both, abdominal CT scan showed retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and colonic wall thickness. Colonoscopic examination showed ulcerative lesions and ileocecal valve disruption. Microscopic examination of intestinal content showed evidenced M. tuberculosis. Tuberculosis of the colon should be suspected in patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain and weight loss.

[The current status and problems of the intestinal tuberculosis through a review of the Annual of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan]

From 1997 to 1999 the incidence rate of tuberculosis increased and extrapulmonary tuberculosis has also increased during the same period. Among various types of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, intestinal tuberculosis is one of the diseases difficult to diagnose. Recently doctors could not make appropriate diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis because they did not pay much attention to tuberculosis. With a background described above, we reviewed the Annual of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan in previous five years 1994-1998, in order to investigate a current status of intestinal tuberculosis. Out of 140,358 autopsied cases, the number of cases with active and old tuberculosis was 5,103 (3.6%), in which the intestinal tuberculosis was accompanied in 80 (0.057%). The 80 cases were consisting of 45 males and 35 females and their mean age was 72.7 years old ranging from 28 to 96. Of the 80 intestinal tuberculosis cases, 71 were seen in pulmonary tuberculosis cases and six cases were considered to be intestinal tuberculosis alone. In terms of the location of intestinal tuberculosis the most commonly affected site was ileocecum which occupied 72.7% of all intestinal tuberculosis. Among the 80 cases, 14 cases were complicated with malignant tumor and only 30 cases (37.5%) were diagnosed clinically as intestinal tuberculosis before their death. Clinical diagnosis of other cases were ileus, simple constipation, severe diarrhea, malignant tumor or its tumor. The delay in diagnosing intestinal tuberculosis may result in fatal outcome in the aged persons, so that in general practice much attention should be paid not only to pulmonary but also extrapulmonary tuberculosis including intestinal tuberculosis.

[Intestinal and peritoneal tuberculosis]

BACKGROUND

Abdominal tuberculosis (tbc) is still a medical problem in developing countries. Since it imitates many abdominal diseases, diagnosis can be easily missed unless the disease is suspected.

METHODS

The aim of this study to evaluate the value of clinical, physical and laboratory findings and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic options in 121 patients with intestinal and peritoneal tbc. The diagnosis was made by histopathological examination of biopsy material and isolation of mycobacterium bacillus in cultures or smears of ascites fluid.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was confirmed with laparotomy in 102, laparoscopy in 4, colonoscopy in 6, and percutaneous aspiration in 9 patients. There were intestinal tbc in 67 (55.3%) patients and peritoneal tbc in 54 (44.6%). Intestinal involvement was commonly located at ileocecal area. Anti tuberculous chemotherapy was started and avoided from extensive resection in surgical treatment. There were a total of 87 complications in 52 patients (42.9%) at the postoperative period. Wound infection was the most frequent complication. Overall mortality rate was 13.2%. The mortality rate in emergency operation was 20.5% while 3.4% in elective conditions. There were no morbidity and mortality in patients whose diagnosis were made by conservative procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic endoscopic and percutaneous aspiration procedures are useful for diagnosis in the selected cases of intestinal and peritoneal tbc. Laparotomy should be performed only when complication develops or diagnosis is uncertain. Extensive resection should be avoided in surgical treatment of intestinal tbc. Early diagnosis and treatment will decrease the complications that can be develop during the progress of the disease and consequently the mortality rates.