Abdominal tuberculosis in children

Abstract

To determine the features of diagnosis and clinical course of abdominal tuberculosis in children. Eighteen children aged from 5 days to 16 years with abdominal tuberculosis have been followed-up throughout 50 years. Diagnostic process implied anamnesis, objective examination, laboratory data and specific samples, ultrasound, X-ray examination, MRI, CT and morphological examination of specimens. Intestinal form was diagnosed in 2 children with abdominal tuberculosis, mesadenitis - 3 patients, liver tuberculosis - 4 ones, tuberculosis of uterine appendages - 3 patients, peritonitis - 6 ones. CT of the abdomen, diaskintest and morphological examination were the most important diagnostic methods. Laparotomy was performed in 16 children. Five cases are decsribed. Abdominal tuberculosis in children is mostly secondary. Several anatomical regions are simultaneously involved in specific process. Isolated lesion of one abdominal organ is rare. Active tuberculosis of respiratory organs in pregnant women has a significant negative impact on the fetus and newborns.