Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis： Experience from 11 cases and review of the literature

AIM: To analyze the experience within our hospital and to review the literature so as to establish the best means of diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis.METHODS: The records of 11 patients (4 males, 7 females,mean age 39 years, range 18-65 years) diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis in Harran University Hospital between January 1996 and October 2003 were analyzed retrospectively and the literature was reviewed.RESULTS: Ascites was present in all cases. Other common findings were weight loss (81%), weakness (81%), abdominal mass (72%), abdominal pain (72%), abdominal distension (63%), anorexia (45%) and night sweat (36%). The average hemoglobin was 8.2 g/dL and the average ESR was 50 mm/h (range 30-125). Elevated levels of cancer antigen CA-125 were determined in four patients. Abdominal ultrasound showed abnormalities in all cases: ascites in all, tuboovarian mass in five, omental thickening in 3, and enlarged lymph nodes (mesenteric, para-aortic) in 2. CT scans showed ascites in all, pelvic mass in 5, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy in 4, mesenteric stranding in 4, omental stranding in 3,bowel wall thickening in 2 and mesenteric lymphadenopathy in 2. Only one patient had a chest radiograph suggestive of a new TB lesion. Two had a positive family history of pulmonary TB. None had acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the sputum and the tuberculin test was positive in only two. Laparotomy was performed in 6 cases, laparoscopy in 4 and ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration in 2. In those patients subjected to operation, the findings were multiple diffuse involvement of the visceral and parietal peritoneum, white‘miliary nodules‘ or plaques, enlarged lymph nodes, ascites,‘violin string‘ fibrinous strands, and omental thickening.Biopsy specimens showed granulomas, while ascitic fluid showed numerous lymphocytes. Both were negative for acid-fast bacilli by staining. PCR of ascitic fluid was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( M. tuberculosis) in all cases.CONCLUSION: Abdominal TB should be considered in all cases with ascites. Our experience suggests that PCR of ascitic fluid obtained by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is a reliable method for its diagnosis and should at least be attempted before surgical intervention.     

Leptin levels in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ascites

AIM： To evaluate the role of leptin levels in the differentia diagnosis of ascites.
METHODS： Ascitic leptin, TNFα and serum leptin levels were measured in 77 patients with ascites （35 with malignancies, 30 cirrhosis and 12 tuberculosis）. Control serum samples were obtained from 20 healthy subjects. Leptin and TNFα levels were measured by EUSA. Body mass index （BMI） and percentage of body fat （BFM） by skin fold measurement were calculated for all patients and control groups. Peritoneal biopsy, ascites cytology and cultures or biochemical values were used for the diagnosis of patients.
RESULTS： In patients with malignancies, the mean serum and ascites leptin levels and their ratios were significantly decreased compared to the other patient groups and controls. In tuberculosis peritonitis, ascitic fluid TNFα levels were significantly higher than malignant ascites and cirrhotic sterile ascites. BMI and BFM values did not distinguish between patients and controls. CONCLUSION： In patients with malignant ascites, levels of leptin and TNFα were significantly lower than in patients with tuberculous ascites.     

Clinical outcome of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome mimicking acute biliary disease

AIM： To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. METHODS： The clinical courses of patients that visited St. Mary＇s Hospital with abdominal pain from January 2005 to December 2006 and were diagnosed with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome were examined. RESULTS： Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome was identified in 22 female patients of childbearing age; their mean age was 31.0 ± 8.1 years. Fourteen of these cases presented with pain in the upper right abdomen alone or together with pain in the lower abdomen, and six patients presented with pain only in the lower abdomen. The first impression at the time of visit was acute cholecystitis or cholangitis in 10 patients and acute appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease in eight patients. Twenty-one patients were diagnosed by abdominal computer tomograghy （CT）, and the results of abdominal sonography were normal for 10 of these patients. Chlamydia trichomatis was isolated from 18 patients. Two patients underwent laparoscopic adhesiotomy and 20 patients were completely cured by antibiotic treatment.CONCLUSION： For women of childbearing age with acute pain in the upper right abdomen alone or together with pain in the lower abdomen, Fitz-Hugh- Curtis syndrome should be considered during differential diagnosis. Moreover, in cases suspected to be Fitz-Hugh- Curtis syndrome, abdominal CT, rather than abdominal sonography, assists in the diagnosis.     

Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis:Experience from 11 cases and review of the literature

AIM:To analyze the experience within our hospital and toreview the literature so as to establish the best means ofdiagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis.METHODS:The records of 11 patients (4 males,7 females,mean age 39 years,range 18-65 years) diagnosed withabdominal tuberculosis in Harran University Hospitalbetween January 1996 and October 2003 were analyzedretrospectively and the literature was reviewed.RESULTS:Ascites was present in all cases.Other commonfindings were weight loss (81%),weakness (81%),abdominalmass (72%),abdominal pain (72%),abdominal distension(63%),anorexia (45%) and night sweat (36%).The averagehemoglobin was 8.2 g/dL and the average FAR was 50 mm/h(range 30-125).Elevated levels of cancer antigen CA-125were determined in four patients.Abdominal ultrasoundshowed abnormalities in all cases:ascites in all,tuboovarianmass in five,omental thickening in 3,and enlarged lymphnodes (mesenteric,para-aortic) in 2.CT scans showed ascitesin all,pelvic mass in 5,retroperitoneal lymphadenopathyin 4,mesenteric stranding in 4,omental stranding in 3,bowel wall thickening in 2 and mesenteric lymphadenopathyin 2.Only one patient had a chest radiograph suggestive ofa new TB lesion.Two had a positive family history ofpulmonary TB.None had acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the sputumand the tuberculin test was positive in only two.Laparotomywas performed in 6 cases,laparoscopy in 4 and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in 2.In those patientssubjected to operation,the findings were multiple diffuseinvolvement of the visceral and parietal peritoneum,white‘miliary nodules’or plaques,enlarged lymph nodes,ascites,‘violin string’fibrinous strands,and omental thickening.Biopsy specimens showed granulomas,while ascitic fluidshowed numerous lymphocytes.Both were negative foracid-fast bacilli by staining.PCR of ascitic fluid was positivefor Mycobactenum tuberculosis ( M.tuberculosis) in all cases.CONCLUSION:Abdominal TB should be considered in allcases with ascites.Our experience suggests that PCR ofascitic fluid obtained by ultrasound-guided fine needleaspiration is a reliable method for its diagnosis and shouldat least be attempted before surgical intervention.     

Low gradient ascites： A seven-year course review

AIM: To study the patients with low gradient ascites in hospitals of Guilan Province (northern Iran). METHODS: Patients admitted in hospitals of Guilan Province with low gradient ascites from 1993 to 2000 were enrolled in the study. Serum and ascitic fluid albumin levels were determined by biochemical reactions. The serum-ascitic albumin gradient (SAAG) less than 1.1 g/dL was considered low. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 9.0 software and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 148 patients enrolled in the study, 72 (48.6%) were males and 76 (51.4%) were females with a mean age of 59.03±13.54 years. Tuberculous peritonitis was the most frequent cause of low gradient ascites in 68 (45.9%). Other most frequent causes were cancer in 62 (41.9%), nephrotic syndrome in 9 (6%), pancreatitis in 6 (4%). Peritoneal cancer was found in 22 (35%), ovarian and gastric cancers were found in 14 (22.5%) and 12 (19.3%), respectively. All of which were the causes of ascites. The mean SAAG was 0.68±0.19 g/dL. The mean serum and ascitic fluid albumin concentrations were higher in tuberculous patients (P<0.006), but lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was higher in cancer patients (P<0.0001). In peritoneal tuberculosis, mean ascitic glucose concentration was significantly lower than other patients (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis should be considered in all patients with low gradient ascites especially in developing countries (like Iran), as the first cause of ascites. In the approach to patients with low gradient ascites, ascitic fluid glucose, and LDH level are useful indicators for decision making.     

Acute right lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age:Clinical clues

AIM:To study possible gynecological organ pathologies in the differential diagnosis of acute right lower abdominal pain in patients of reproductive age.METHODS:Following Clinical Trials Ethical Committee approval,the retrospective data consisting of physical examination and laboratory findings in 290 patients with sudden onset right lower abdominal pain who used the emergency surgery service between April2009 and September 2013,and underwent surgery and general anesthesia with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis were collated.RESULTS:Total data on 290 patients were obtained.Two hundred and twenty-four(77.2%)patients had acute appendicitis,whereas 29(10%)had perforated appendicitis and 37(12.8%)had gynecological organ pathologies.Of the latter,21(7.2%)had ovarian cyst rupture,12(4.2%)had corpus hemorrhagicum cyst rupture and 4(1.4%)had adnexal torsion.Defense,Rovsing’s sign,increased body temperature and increased leukocyte count were found to be statistically significant in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis and gynecological organ pathologies.CONCLUSION:Gynecological pathologies in women of reproductive age are misleading in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.     

Chyious ascites： Treated with total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin

AIM: To determine the effects of total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin on patients with chylous ascites.METHODS: Five patients were diagnosed with chylous ascites on the basis of laboratory findings of ascites sample from Nov 1999 to May 2003. Total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin or its analogue was administered to 4 patients,while the other one only received total parenteral nutrition.All the patients had persistent peritoneal drainage, with the quantity and quality of drainage fluid observed daily.Necessary supportive treatments were given to the patients individually during the therapy.RESULTS: Two of 4 patients who received somatostatin therapy obtained complete recovery within 10 d without any recurrence while on a normal diet. In these 2 patients,the peritoneal drainage reduced to zero in one and the other‘s decreased from 2 000 mL to 80 mL with a clear appearance and negative qualitative analysis of chyle. Recurrent chylous ascites, though relieved effectively by the same method every time, developed in one patient with advanced pancreatic cancer. The other patient‘s lymphatic fistula was blocked with the fibrin glue after conservative treatment. The patient who only received total parenteral nutrition was cured 24 d after therapy.CONCLUSION: Total parenteral nutrition along with somatostatin can relieve the symptoms and close the fistula in patients with chylous ascites rapidly. It appears to be an effective therapy available for the treatment of chylous ascites caused by various disorders.     

Tuberculosis of pancreas and peripancreatic lymph nodes in immunocompetent patients： experience from China

AIM: To determine the clinical, radiographic and laboratory characteristics, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic variables in immunocompetent patients with tuberculosis (TB) of the pancreas and peripancreatic lymph nodes. METHODS: The records of 16 patients (6 male, 10 female;mean age 37 years, range 18-56years) with tuberculosis of the pancreas and peripancreatic lymph nodes from 1983 to 2001 in the Southwest Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.In addition, 58 similar cases published in Chinese literature were reviewed and summarized. We reviewed the clinical,radiographic and laboratory findings, diagnostic methods,therapeutic approaches, and outcome in the patients. Criteria for the diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis were the presence of granuloma in histological sections or the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Predominant symptoms consisted of abdominal nodule and pain (75 ％), anorexia/weight loss (69 ％),malaise/weakness (64 ％), fever and night sweats (50 ％),back pain (38 ％) and jaundice (31％). Swelling of the head of the pancreas with heterogeneous attenuation echo was detected with ultrasound in 75 ％ (12/16). CT scan showed pancreatic mass with heterogeneous hypodensity focus in all patients, with calcification in 56 ％ (9/16) patients, and peripancreatic nodules in 38 ％ (6/16)patients. Anemia and lymphocytopenia were seen in 50 ％(8/16) patients, and pancytopenia occurred in 13 ％ (2/16) patients. Hypertransaminasemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase (AP) and GGT were seen in 56 ％ (9/16)patients. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated in 69 ％ (11/16) cases. Granulomas were found in 75 ％ (12/16) cases, and in 38 ％ (6/16) cases caseous necrosis tissue was found. Laparotomy was performed in 75 ％ (12/16) cases, and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) was done in 63 ％ (10 of 16). The most commonly used combinations of medications were isoniazid/rifampin/streptomycin (63 ％, n=10) and isoniazid/rifampin pyrazinamide/streptomycin or ethambutol (38 ％, n=6). The duration of treatment lasted for half or one year and treatment was successful in all cases. The characteristics of 58 cases from Chinese literature were also summarized. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis of the pancreas and peripancreatic lymph nodes should be considered as a diagnostic possibility in patients presenting with a pancreatic mass, and diagnosis without laparotomy is possible if only doctors are aware of its clinical features and investigate it with appropriate modalities. Pancreatic tuberculosis can be effectively cured by antituberculous drugs.     

Acute pancreatitis caused by leptospirosis： Report of two cases

Two cases of acute pancreatitis with leptospirosis are reported in this article. Case 1: A 68-year-old woman, presented initially with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. She was in poor general condition, and had acute abdominal signs and symptoms on physical examination. Emergency laparotomy was performed, acute pancreatitis and leptospirosis were diagnosed on the basis of surgical findings and serological tests. The patient died on postoperative d 6. Case 2: A 62-year-old man, presented with fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and malaise. Acute pancreatitis associated with leptospirosis was diagnosed, according to abdominal CT scanning and serological tests. The patient recovered fully with antibiotic treatment and nutritional support within 19 d.     

Diagnosis of chest pain with foregut symptoms in Chinese patients

AIM： To evaluate the diagnosis of chest pain with foregut symptoms in Chinese patients.
METHODS： Esophageal manometric studies, 24-h introesophageal pH monitoring and 24-h electrocardiograms （Holter electrocardiography） were performed in 61 patients with chest pain.
RESULTS： Thirty-nine patients were diagnosed with non-specific esophageal motility disorders （29 patients with abnormal gastroesophageal reflux and eight patients with myocardial ischemia）. Five patients had diffuse spasm of the esophagus plus abnormal gastroesophageal reflux （two patients had concomitant myocardial ischemia）, and one patient was diagnosed with nutcracker esophagus.
CONCLUSION： The esophageal manometric studies, 24-h intra-esophageal pH monitoring and Holter electrocardiography are significant for the differential diagnosis of chest pain, particularly in patients with foregut symptoms. In cases of esophageal motility disorders, pathological gastroesophageal reflux may be a major cause of chest pain with non-specific esophageal motility disorders. Spasm of the esophageal smooth muscle might affect the heart-coronary smooth muscle, leading to myocardial ischemia.     

Tuberculous peritonitis in Egypt: the value of laparoscopy in diagnosis.

Abdominal laparoscopy was performed on 200 patients with undiagnosed ascites. It was unsuccessful in one patient with tuberculous peritonitis because of extensive adhesions. A presumptive diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis based on clinical findings and peritoneal tubercles or adhesions visualized during laparoscopy was made in 90 of these patients. The diagnosis was confirmed in 88 by histopathology, bacteriology, or therapeutic response. Two of the 109 remaining patients who had other presumptive diagnoses made during laparoscopy were eventually confirmed to be cases of tuberculous peritonitis. Of 91 patients with tuberculous peritonitis included in this series, 79% were females, with the majority (79%) of them being of child-bearing age. Half had been ill for longer than one month. The most frequent complaints were abdominal pain, fever, anorexia, night sweats, abdominal swelling, and weight loss. Ascites, fever, wasting, pallor, and abdominal tenderness were common findings. Ultrasonography demonstrated ascites in all patients who underwent this procedure; 21% also had adhesions. Pleural effusion was present in 15% and pulmonary tuberculosis was detected in only two patients. Biopsy samples taken during laparoscopy showed that 60% had noncaseous granulomas and 33% had caseous granulomas. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in 77%, with guinea pig inoculation having the highest sensitivity, followed by culture, and lastly by acid-fast smear. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated more easily from biopsy samples than from ascitic fluid. Nine of 20 M. tuberculosis isolates that were identified as to species were M. bovis. Tuberculous peritonitis, a frequent cause of febrile ascites in Egyptian women, was easily diagnosed by histopathologic and bacteriologic studies of biopsy samples taken at laparoscopy. All patients responded rapidly to antituberculosis therapy.     

Tuberculous peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: case report and review.

A case of tuberculous peritonitis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in a 37-year-old man who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and a malfunctioning Tenckhoff catheter is reported. The patient was initially treated for presumed bacterial peritonitis but remained febrile and had persistent abdominal pain and peritoneal fluid pleocytosis, despite broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated in a culture of peritoneal fluid, and the patient responded promptly to antituberculous therapy. More than 50 cases of tuberculous peritonitis complicating CAPD that have been reported in the English-language literature since the initial case was reported in 1980 are reviewed. The most common symptoms are fever (78%), abdominal pain (92%), and cloudy dialysate (90%); 76% of cases had a predominance of polymorphonuclear cells in peritoneal fluid. A smear for acid-fast bacilli or a culture was positive in 73% of cases. The peritoneal dialysis catheter was removed in 53% of cases, although this was rarely considered necessary for cure of tuberculosis. The attributable mortality rate is 15%, with the most significant factor being treatment delay (mean time from presentation to initiation of treatment, 6.74 weeks). We conclude that tuberculosis is an important diagnostic consideration for CAPD patients with peritonitis that is refractory to broad-spectrum antibiotics.     

Tuberculous peritonitis in an endemic area

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous peritonitis is a fatal disease if not diagnosed in time. AIMS: To identify the clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic features of tuberculous peritonitis in Iranian patients. PATIENTS: Included in the study were all cases of tuberculous peritonitis with a definite diagnosis confirmed by pathology in four referral University Hospitals in Tehran between 1989 and 1999. METHODS: All clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings as well as invasive procedures were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (30 female, 20 male), mean age 33.5 years were studied. Main presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (84%), weight loss (72%) and fever (50%). In 24% of patients a positive tuberculin test was found. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate >50 mm/h was detected in 60% of patients and 4.4% had an Erythrocyte sedimentation rate >100 mm/h. Laparoscopy or laparotomy showed peritoneal seeding in 74% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Exudative ascites should give rise to clinical suspicion of tuberculous peritonitis in endemic areas or in immigrants from endemic areas. Laparoscopy is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic method.     

The usefulness of PCR amplification of the IS6110 insertion element of M. tuberculosis complex in ascitic fluid of patients with peritoneal tuberculosis

Background: The diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis (TP) may be difficult and elusive. The present study was designed to demonstrate the diagnostic usefulness of a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, specific for the IS6110 insertion element of M. tuberculosis complex, in patients with ascites who were suspected of having TP in order to achieve a more timely diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Three HIV-negative patients suffering from fever and ascites were evaluated for suspected TP. Specimens were obtained from ascitic fluid, bone marrow, and peripheral blood and analyzed by both conventional methods and nested PCR for the presence of bacilli. Response to antituberculous treatment was considered as the final criterion for diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. Results: All three patients had an excellent response to antituberculous therapy. Our PCR-based protocol detected M. tuberculosis complex DNA in the ascitic fluid of all patients, whereas conventional methods failed to establish the disease. Furthermore, in one patient, M. tuberculosis was also detected in both bone marrow and peripheral blood. Conclusions: PCR amplification of the IS6110 sequence of M. tuberculosis complex in ascitic fluid is a useful tool when peritoneal tuberculosis is suspected. However, its validity still needs to be established.     

Tuberculous peritonitis of the wet ascitic type: clinical features and diagnostic value of image-guided peritoneal biopsy

BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis is still a medical problem in developing countries. AIMS: To analyse the clinical, laboratory, ultrasonography and computed tomography findings and to discuss the diagnostic approach of 19 patients with peritoneal tuberculosis. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients diagnosed in our department, with peritoneal tuberculosis (8 female, 11 male; mean age: 47.89 +/- 4.3 years) between 1996 and 2002, were studied retrospectively. METHODS: All clinical, laboratory, radiological findings, and diagnostic methods were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common symptoms and signs of the disease in these patients were abdominal pain, ascites, weight loss and night sweats. On conducting skin test, eight patients (42%) were found to be positive, while all the patients had elevated serum cancer antigen 125 levels, but acid-resistant bacilli could not be demonstrated on the direct preparation. In three patients (15.78%), the ascitic fluid culture was positive. The most common ultrasonographic and computed tomographic findings were ascites, septation in the ascites, peritoneal thickening, mesenteric and omental involvement. An abnormal chest X-ray, suggestive of previous tuberculosis was present in three patients. Diagnosis was made by image-guided percutaneous peritoneal biopsy in 18/19, and by histological examination of biopsy specimens obtained via laparoscopy in 1/19. Laparoscopy was only performed in 1 of the 19 patients due to lack of sufficient material for histological diagnosis by percutaneous biopsy. Of the biopsy specimens, 84% revealed caseating granulomas, while 16% were non-caseating. Acid-fast bacilli were seen on the Ziehl-Neelsen stain in 18 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of exudative ascites. Image-guided percutaneous peritoneal biopsy seems to be a sufficient, safe and inexpensive method for diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis.     

Tuberculous peritonitis--reports of 26 cases, detailing diagnostic and therapeutic problems

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical presentation, biochemical (ascites and serum) and laparoscopic findings, and to assess the efficacy of triple antituberculous therapy without rifampicin for 6 months in patients with tuberculous peritonitis. METHODS: Twenty-six tuberculous peritonitis patients (11 male, 15 female) with a mean age of 34.8 +/- 3.4 years (range 14-77) were assessed with regard to diagnostic and therapeutic features. RESULTS: The most common symptoms and signs were abdominal pain (92.3%) and ascites (96.2%), respectively. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was positive in all patients. An abnormal chest radiography suggestive of previous tuberculosis was present in five patients (19.2%), and two patients (7.7%) had extra-peritoneal (cerebral, pericardial) active tuberculous involvement. In 24 of the 25 patients who underwent laparoscopy with directed biopsy, whitish nodules suggested tuberculous peritonitis; 76% of the biopsy specimens revealed caseating, 20% non-caseating granulomatous inflammation, and 4% non-specific findings. The ascitic fluid of one patient (3.8%) was positive for acid-resistant bacilli, and culture was positive in two patients (7.7%). Twenty-four of the patients were treated for 6 months with isoniazid, streptomycin (total dose 40 g) and pyrazinamide (for the first 2 months and then substituted with ethambutol). Eighteen patients also received methyl prednisolone, initially 20 mg/day, for 1 month. The follow-up period was 19 +/- 1.7 months after the end of therapy (range 6-36). Ascites and abdominal pain abated earlier in patients on steroid therapy. All but two of the 24 patients responded to treatment. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive tests such as acid-fast stain and culture of the ascitic fluid are usually insufficient, hence invasive laparoscopy and peritoneal biopsy are necessary for the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis if non-invasive tests such as ascites adenosine deaminase activity measurement are not easily available. Triple therapy without rifampicin for 6 months is sufficient to treat tuberculous peritonitis.     

欠发达地区结核性腹膜炎40例

目的:总结结核性腹膜炎(tuberculous peritonitis,TBP)临床特点,进一步提高临床医生对TBP的认识水平.方法:收集40例TBP患者的病例资料,对其发病情况、临床表现、实验室和辅助检查、诊疗经过等方面进行回顾性分析并复习文献.结果:本组TBP患者年龄以20-40岁为高发(57.5%),仅22.5%的病例既往有结核病史或慢性疾病史.发病以慢性起病多见(85.0%),症状以腹胀(85.0%)、食欲减退(67.5%)、发热(52.5%)、腹痛(47.5%)常见.体征以腹水(67.5%)、腹痛(65.0%)多见,腹壁柔韧感少见(35.0%).血清学检查特异性低,腹水多呈渗出液的特点,但腹水ADA>33U/L,单核细胞占优势等有助于诊断TBP的特点较少见(16.0%-34.0%).腹水抗酸杆菌涂片和结核菌培养阳性率低(4.75%,0%).PPD实验和胸部X线的阳性率均为37.5%.CT和B超检查多数表现为腹水、腹膜增厚、粘连等(78%),女性患者子宫、附件受累常见(72.7%).本组TBP患者误诊5例,误诊率为12.5%,最常见是误诊为妇科肿瘤(n=3).仅4例患者(10%)获病原学或病理确诊,其余90%依靠试验性抗结核治疗获得诊断.结论:在欠发达地区,目前依靠腹腔镜、B超引导下活检等手段获得病理标本,确诊TBP的比例仍很低.绝大部分TBP病例诊断主要依靠试验性抗结核治疗及对疗效的动态观察.临床医生能够怀疑到TBP的可能并积极试验性抗结核治疗是TBP诊断的关键.对2wk试验性抗结核治疗效果不好的病例,要动员患者接受更积极的腹腔镜检查,以免贻误病情.     

Presentation and role of peritoneoscopy in the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis

This study represents the clinical and laboratory features of 135 tuberculous peritonitis cases in whom peritoneoscopic investigation was used routinely. Disease was more common in women than men (1.5:1) and was most frequently encountered in the third and fourth decades in life. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal distension (96%), abdominal pain (82%), weight loss (80%), weakness (76%), loss of appetite (73%) and fever (69%). The most common physical findings were ascites (96%), fever (75%) and abdominal tenderness (43%). One hundred and twenty-nine cases (95.5%) showed exudative type tuberculous peritonitis with variable amounts of ascites and filmy adhesions. In six patients (4.5%) the disease was of the plastic (dry) type. Peritoneoscopic investigations of 139 patients suggested tuberculous peritonitis but four cases showed histologically proven malignancy (3%). Laparoscopic diagnoses of the remaining cases were confirmed by histology (97%). The laparoscopic appearance of scattered yellowish-white nodules, approximately 1-5 mm in size, on the peritoneal surfaces, and filmy adhesions were suggestive of tuberculous peritonitis. A non-fatal colon perforation occurred as a major complication. After antituberculous therapy patients were followed for at least 1 year. Peritoneoscopy with simultaneous biopsy is the ideal and most accurate diagnostic modality in the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.     

A case of tuberculous peritonitis diagnosed by ultrasonography-guide peritoneal biopsy

The diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis is quite difficult because the symptoms are not specific for the disease and the incidence of occurrence are relatively rare. We report a case of tuberculous peritonitis diagnosed by ultrasonography-guided peritoneal biopsy. A 64-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of fever, dyspnea and abdominal pain. Laboratory findings revealed an elevated ESR (53 mm/1 hr.) and positive CRP. The tuberculin skin test was negative. The chest radiograph revealed bilateral pleural effusion. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination and computed tomography showed ascitic fluid, thickening of the mesentery and peritoneum, and inflammatory pseudotumor of the omentum. Ascitic fluid was exudate with a high lymphocyte count and elevated ADA (184 IU/l). Microbiological studies with the fluid were negative. Peritoneal biopsy guided by ultrasonography was performed, and the specimens showed central caseous necrosis surrounded by epitheloid cells and acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated. The size of the pseudotumor, pleural effusion and ascites decreased after antituberculous chemotherapy with corticosteroid was given. Diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis has often been made by laparotomy or laparoscopy. In a case of this kind, percutaneous peritoneal biopsy guided by ultrasonography is safe and useful.     

多功能腹膜检查针的研制及临床应用研究

目的旨在提高腹水病因的诊断率和鉴别诊断率。方法自行研制多功能腹膜检查针并对临床上１５８例腹水患者进行检查。结果这种多功能腹膜检查针对４２例怀疑腹水由结核性腹膜炎引起的病理诊断率达９０．４８％;对４７例不明原因腹水的临床病因确诊率达６３．８３％;对２２例肝硬化伴腹痛和发烧怀疑原发性腹膜炎的确诊率达４０．９％,单纯腹水生化检查的诊断率只占１８．２％,前者明显优于后者;４５例原因不明腹水患者单纯腹水细胞学检查仅５例发现癌细胞,进行腹膜刷检后１３例找到癌细胞,显著优于腹水细胞学检查。结论多功能腹膜检查针对结核性腹水,癌性腹水和肝硬化合并原发性腹膜炎有重要的临床诊断价值,而且操作简单,在病床边即可检查,可在基层医院广泛使用。