A Case Report on Peritoneal Tuberculosis in an Immunocompromised Patient

Background: Peritoneal tuberculosis (PTB) is one of the most challenging forms of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. Abdominal TB cases make up above 3% of all extra pulmonary TB as per the Index TB Guidelines. PTB is commonly due to reactivation of latent tuberculosis in the peritoneum. Numerous cases were still misdiagnosed due to nonspecific presentation. The golden standard for diagnosis is laparoscopic biopsy. Presenting signs and symptoms of PTB are unspecific such as ascites, abdominal pain and distension, fever, weight loss, diarrhea/constipation. Peritoneal tuberculosis is a significant cause of ascites in developing countries. The causative agent of peritoneal tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Case Presentation: In this case study, a 52 year old male had complaints of progressive abdominal distension and fever for 2 weeks. Patient underwent diagnostic paracentesis, upper and lower GI endoscopy, biopsy and gene xpert to confirm peritoneal tuberculosis. Patient with peritoneal TB have gradually progressive abdominal swelling due to ascites and abdominal pain.

Conclusion: Peritoneal tuberculosis should be considered in differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis, especially in the developing countries or under developed countries. This case highlights the easy diagnosis of the condition other than the other case reports.