Acute abdomen: an unusual case of ruptured tuberculous mesenteric abscess

BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis is an uncommon extra-pulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: Herein, we report an unusual case of ruptured tuberculous mesenteric cold abscess, which was managed by laparotomy for diagnosis and drainage, and post-operative chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal tuberculosis may present to surgeons as ascites, an abdominal mass, or peritonitis. Preoperative diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is notoriously difficult. Acute peritonitis provoked by rupture of tuberculosis mesenteric cold abscess is exceedingly rare. Surgical intervention is warranted for diagnosis and drainage.     

Primary aortoduodenal fistula caused by duodenal tuberculosis without an abdominal aortic aneurysm: Report of a case

A 66-year-old man died of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by a fistula between the third portion of the duodenum and the abdominal aorta. An autopsy revealed that duodenal tuberculosis had resulted in the development of a fistula into the aorta with no pathological changes, and no active pulmonary tuberculosis was found. Duodenal tuberculosis and primary aortoduodenal fistula (ADF) without an aneurysm are both extremely rare. Thus, we report herein a unique case of primary aortoduodenal fistula without an abdominal aortic aneurysm, but associated with duodenal tuberculosis, and review the current literature.     

Non-healing gastro-duodenal ulcer: A rare presentation of primary abdominal tuberculosis

INTRODUCTIONWe present a case of primary gastrointestinal tuberculosis that has culminated in ulcer formation, in the absence of pulmonary involvement in an immunocompetent patient.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 28-year-old Asian male presented to casualty with a 1-week history of epigastric cramping abdominal pain and several episodes of non-bilious vomiting. The patient deteriorated clinically, becoming more cachectic and given his unexplained weight loss, an oesophageal-gastro-duodenal endoscopic imaging confirmed a duodenal ulcer. The biopsy of the non-healing ulcer was the hallmark of the disease, revealing evidence of granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculosis bacilli.DISCUSSIONGastrointestinal tuberculosis with ulceration is rare with respect to the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. This case proves to be unique, as our patient had experienced primary isolated gastric tuberculosis in the absence of pulmonary tuberculosis in a healthy individual. Immunohistochemical staining, histopathology and radiological investigations have demonstrated their importance in confirming abdominal tuberculosis and the extent of bowel involvement.CONCLUSIONThis case has illustrated the difficulties associated with a prompt diagnosis of an unusual case of primary duodenal tuberculosis from chronic peptic ulcer disease in an immunocompetent patient.     

Abdominal tuberculosis mimicking metastasis in a patient with carcinoma of the oesophagus

Oesophageal carcinoma typically manifests as ulcerative growth. Cases of oesophageal tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma of the oesophagus have been reported and create considerable diagnostic difficulty. Abdominal tuberculosis, however, is an uncommon extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. Here, we report a case of abdominal tuberculosis in a patient with squamous carcinoma of the oesophagus.     

Abdominal tuberculosis that masked under the early postoperative septic complications

IntroductionAt the same time even laparoscopic adrenalectomy can become the source or the causing factor of a number of complications. In the following report we present the clinic case of diagnostic complications during postsurgical period of “rapid” development and signs of tuberculosis after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.Presentation of caseThe patient underwent ultrasonography and CT was found out: the tumor of right adrenal gland. Operational treatment: right laparoscopy adrenalectomy. Pathologistological conclusion: clear cell adenoma. On the fourth day there was a high temperature rise noted 38–39 °C. On the 10th day the CT, where there were no signs of free liquid abscess formation. Relaparoscopic: small amount of serous-hemorrhagic liquid in small pelvis, hyperemated peritoneum, in both − left and right liver lobes tight knots of white color. After, the patient still had hyperthermia 38 °C. Phthisiatrician consulted the patient and diagnosed abdominal tuberculosis. After six-month treatment the patient in satisfactory condition was discharged home.DiscussionBut in case of our patient’s case such visual diagnostic methods, such as CT and ultrasonography of abdominal cavity appeared to be non-informative in lymph system diagnostics due to the number of reasons.The described clinical case and literature data prove the fact, that crucial in abdominal tuberculosis form management treatment is a diagnostic laparoscopy with tissue biopsy.ConclusionLabors, as well as adrenalectomy are possible factors which decrease the immunity and can cause the activation of tuberculosis process. Diagnostic laparoscopy and intraoperative histological tissue study of abdominal cavity are the main points in prescribing diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis form.     

误诊为胰腺肿瘤行手术切除的胰腺结核6例临床分析

目的：探讨胰腺结核的诊断和治疗方法。方法：回顾分析近3年误诊为胰腺癌的6例胰腺结核病例。结果：6例病人中有结核病史2例。临床表现为腹痛1例,腹胀5例,体重减轻1例,便血1例。6例均经剖腹探查．病理学证实;其中4例获病灶切除。全部病例均经术后抗结核治疗。6例中出现肠瘘1例,顽固性腹泻2例,区域性门静脉高压、食管下段静脉曲张各1例。结论：胰腺结核易被误诊为胰腺肿瘤而手术,故对影像学检查证实胰腺有局限性、囊性病变伴病灶周围及后腹膜淋巴结肿大,且肿瘤指标正常者,应考虑胰腺结核可能。切除胰腺结核可能发生的并发症较为严重,手术治疗应慎重考虑。     

胰腺结核临床分析13例

目的进一步深入对胰腺结核的认识,提高对临床胰腺结核诊断率及治愈率。方法回顾性分析我院截止2004年10月收治的胰腺结核13例。结果本组有结核病史2例,临床表现:发热6例、腹痛13例、腹部包块4例、黄疸3例、盗汗4例、体重减轻7例、脾大和脾亢1例等。根据临床表现及淋巴结活检诊断2例;剖腹探查12例,经病理学检查确定诊断11例,1例术后合并肺结核经抗结核治疗证实胰腺结核诊断。全部病例经抗结核治疗治愈,1例未手术患者结核控制2年后出现区域性门脉高压、食管下段静脉曲张。结论腹痛、发热、体重减轻及影像学证实胰腺局限性、节段性病变病例,应考虑胰腺结核的可能。抗结核治疗是治愈胰腺结核的主要手段,外科手术对胰腺结核特别是胰腺结核性脓肿治疗具有重要意义。     

Isolated tuberculous liver abscess invading the abdominal wall: report of a case

Isolated tuberculous liver parenchymal and subcapsular abscesses are unusual,^but an abdominal wall abscess secondary to a tubercular liver abscess is extremely rare. To our knowledge, there is only one reported case of an abdominal wall abscess occurring secondary to a subcapsular liver abscess. We report the first documented case of direct invasion of the abdominal wall from an isolated tuberculous liver parenchymal abscess, diagnosed by imaging, surgical, and pathological findings. Although ultrasonography and computed tomography showed nonspecific hypoechoic and hypodense findings with peripheral contrast enhancement, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogeneous mass with characteristic hypointensity, suggesting the presence of free radicals produced by macrophages during active phagocytosis in tuberculosis. Although our case is extremely unusual, when hypointensity on T2-weighted MRI is seen, the possibility of tuberculosis should be considered and the results of polymerase chain reaction, culture, and histopathological diagnosis must be taken into account to avoid needless invasive surgery.     

Portal hypertension complicating abdominal tuberculosis. Case report

Two cases of abdominal tuberculosis complicated by portal hypertension are reported. Both presented with haematemesis, melaena, night sweats, anorexia and weight loss. Tuberculous lymph nodes at the porta hepatis compressed the portal vein in one case, and the other had disseminated tuberculosis involving the liver and spleen. The mechanism of such portal hypertension is discussed.     

Primary tuberculous enterocolitis. Report of three cases and review of the literature

Three patients had primary enteric tuberculosis. Therapy included antituberculous chemotherapy and resection of the involved segment of bowel with primary anastomosis in each case. The symptomatology, roentgenographic findings, histopathology, and treatment of enteric tuberculosis are reviewed. The surgeon must be aware of the fact that primary enteric tuberculosis continues to exist in the United States. Though no pathognomonic symptoms or syndrome occur in enteric tuberculosis, this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with vague abdominal complaints, weight loss, and anorexia.     

Tuberculosis as a Late Complication of Total Hip Replacement

A case of tuberculosis developing in a hip joint which had undergone total prosthetic replacement arthroplasty 7 years previously is described. The patient had no manifestation of active systemic tuberculosis although calcified mesenteric nodes were noted on abdominal X-ray. It is assumed that hip joint infection occurred during a bacteraemia following activation of a latent tuberculous focus in the mesenteric lymph nodes.     

Tuberculosis as a late complication of total hip replacement

A case of tuberculosis developing in a hip joint which had undergone total prosthetic replacement arthroplasty 7 years previously is described. The patient had no manifestation of active systemic tuberculosis although calcified mesenteric nodes were noted on abdominal X-ray. It is assumed that hip joint infection occurred during a bacteraemia following activation of a latent tuberculous focus in the mesenteric lymph nodes.     

Duodenal perforation in a 14-year-old boy with abdominal tuberculosis despite being on antituberculous treatment

We are presenting a case of a 14-year-old male patient with known history of abdominal tuberculosis on medication for 4 months with frank peritonitis and air under the diaphragm found to have primary perforation of the duodenum due to tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is common in the third world but affects iliocaecal junction commonly. Cases with tuberculous duodenal are rarely reported in the literature.     

Left colon stenosis caused by tuberculosis

The authors present a case of intestinal tuberculosis affecting exclusively the left colon causing severe undernourishment, abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction with a sealed colonic fistula in a 10-year-old child. These clinical characteristics and difficulties led to a diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in childhood. Intestinal tuberculosis affecting exclusively the colon is very rare, and differential diagnosis with Crohn’s disease is difficult. Surgical complications are frequent, especially intestinal obstruction, and can be treated in most cases by resection of the affected segment and primary anastomosis.     

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax (with some simulation of an acute surgical abdominal condition)

A case of spontaneous hemopneumothorax is reported in which the abdominal signs simulated those of an acute surgical lesion. No definite evidence of tuberculosis could be found. Treatment was conservative with several small thoracenteses. Improvement was gradual and complete.     

Surgical management of abdominal tuberculosis

Recent reports suggest an increased incidence of abdominal tuberculosis in the United States, particularly in high-risk groups. The aim of this study was to review the spectrum of abdominal tuberculosis and its surgical management at a tertiary referral center in the United States. The medical records of patients treated for abdominal tuberculosis at our institution between January 1992 and June 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Eighteen patients were diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis by microbiologic and/or histologic examination. The 10 men and eight women had a mean duration of symptoms of 4 months (range 1 to 24 months). Five were born in the United States, and 13 were foreign born (7 Asians and 6 Africans). The United States-born patients with abdominal tuberculosis, as compared to the foreign-born patients, were older (mean age 74 years vs.35 years), more likely to have chronic medical illnesses (80% vs.7%), and had concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis (60% vs. 0%). Computed tomography was the most frequent imaging modality (88%); findings suggestive of abdominal tuberculosis were mesenteric/omental stranding (50%), ascites (37%), and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (31%). Seventeen of the 18 patients required operative intervention, and one patient underwent CT-guided drainage of a psoas abscess. Laparoscopy was useful for diagnosis in eight patients; laparotomy was performed for complications of abdominal tuberculosis in six patients and to obtain a tissue diagnosis in three patients. Abdominal tuberculosis continues to represent a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Among native-born white Americans, abdominal tuberculosis is primarily a disseminated disease of elderly, debilitated patients with chronic illnesses. Among foreign-born individuals, abdominal tuberculosis occurs in young, immunocompetent patients from endemic areas. Characteristic CT findings should be evaluated for abdominal tuberculosis in the appropriate clinical setting. Laparoscopy is an effective modality for diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. Presented at the Forty-Third annual meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (poster presentation) and published as an abstract in Gastroenterology.     

Operative treatment for adrenal cortical obesity

A case of spontaneous hemopneumothorax is reported in which the abdominal signs simulated those of an acute surgical lesion. No definite evidence of tuberculosis could be found. Treatment was conservative with several small thoracenteses. Improvement was gradual and complete.     

Embolic Protection for Carotid Artery Stenting-A—No Brainer’

Peritoneal tuberculosis is uncommon in developed countries, but as the general incidence of tuberculosis is on the rise in Romania so is the case with peritoneal localization of the disease. The present study retrospectively analyzed 18 patients (8 males and 10 females, mean age 50 years, range 17–74 years) diagnosed in our department with peritoneal tuberculosis between 1995 and 2007. Results: Ascites was present in all but one case. Other common findings were weight loss (12 cases), weakness (5 cases), abdominal pain (16 cases), anorexia (6 cases) and night sweat (3 cases). Abdominal ultrasound has been used to demonstrate ascites in 16 cases. Only two patients had chest radiography suggestive for active tuberculosis. Laparotomy was performed in four cases, laparoscopy in 14 cases (two conversions). Intraoperative findings included multiple diffuse involvements 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. We conclude that the symptoms of abdominal tuberculosis vary greatly, and laparoscopy can be essential for diagnosis and management. The operation is safe, reliable with few complications and permits a prompt diagnosis, necessary to cure the patient.     

Abdominal tuberculosis presenting as an inguinal hernia in a child

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who presented with a painless paratesticlar mass. At surgery, contrary to the clinical suspicion of a nonbenign lesion, granulomatous inflammation of an indirect inguinal hernia was observed. Tubercles were seen to line a patent processus vaginalis. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis. We review abdominal tuberculosis and discuss the diagnostic difficulties it presents particularly in the context of the unusual presentation in our patient.     

Abdominal tuberculosis--a surgical reality

Abdominal tuberculosis is a rare disease, with non-specific findings. Peritoneal tuberculosis is a frequent cause of low gradient ascites. The records of 22 patients (Il males, 11 females, mean age 41,17 years, and range 17-74 years) diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis (TBC) in First Surgical Clinic, "St. Spiridon" University Hospital Ia?i between 1995 and 2006 were analyzed retrospectively and the literature was reviewed. From these 22 patients diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis, there were: peritoneal TBC in 16 cases, intestinal TBC in 5 cases, mesenteric lymph nodes TBC in 1 case. The patients with intestinal TBC, were presented with complications, 2 perforations with peritonitis, 1 intestinal obstruction, and 2 as ileo-cecal "tumors" solved by right colectomy, 4 enterectomy (3 entero-enterostomies and 1 ileo-colic anastomosis). The patients with peritoneal TBC were diagnosed by laparoscopy and peritoneal biopsy in 13 cases, and by laparotomy in 3 cases. In peritoneal tuberculosis ascites was present in 15 cases. Other common findings were weight loss (12 cases), weakness (5 cases), abdominal pain (15 cases), anorexia (5 cases) and night sweat (2 cases). Only two patients had chest radiography suggestive of a new TBC lesion. In those patients with peritoneal tuberculosis, subjected to operation, the findings were multiple diffuse involvements 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. Post operatory evolution and management were applied by the TBC Medical System and the patients were treated 6 months by tuberculostatics, with favorable evolution. Abdominal tuberculosis should be considered for diagnosis, in patients with non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal distension and even symptoms of acute abdomen. Laparoscopy is the best approach for peritoneal tuberculosis, and emergency surgery is necessary for acute complication like obstruction and peritonitis. Specific antituberculosis drugs are indicated in postoperative period.