Computed Tomography of Intestinal Tuberculosis With Tuberculous Peritonitis: Report of One Case

Abstract

The diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is often difficult because of the protean clinical manifestations and non-specific laboratory test results in affected patients. Unless a high index of awareness is maintained, the diagnosis may be delayed or missed, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates. We hereby present a patient with abdominal TB. This is 69-year-old man who presented with partial intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography disclosed high density ascites, omental infiltration, multiple bowel wall thickening, and regional small mesenteric lymph nodes. Small bowel series showed multiple bowel lesions at the ileum including ulcerative, annular thickening, and eccentric nodular lesions. Laparoscopic biopsy was performed and the pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of TB. Under anti-TB management, the patient felt well during the 9-month follow-up period.