Ascite chyleuse à Mycobacterium tuberculosis : un cas clinique

Abstract

Chylous ascites is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis. We report the case of a 63-year-old man admitted with ascites and bilateral lower limb edema developed two years previously, with progressive increase. He had a history of microbiologically confirmed and properly treated pleuropulmonary tuberculosis, 20 years before. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis could not be detected in the ascitic fluid, chest, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography showed findings very suggestive of tuberculosis sequelae. A lymphoscintigraphy was performed and also supported our diagnostic hypothesis of chylous ascites and lymphedema due to tuberculosis sequelae associated or not with active infection. The intention was to further investigate if any form of active tuberculosis was present due to reactivation of the infection. Unfortunately, the patient died before these assessments could be completed.