511\u2003A Case Report of A 16-Year-Old Girl with Peritoneal Tuberculosis

Abstract

\n Peritoneal Tuberculosis (PTB) is a rare extra-pulmonary manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. It usually presents with non-specific symptoms that can mimic other intra-abdominal pathology. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis and early treatment of PTB. Some of the intra-abdominal conditions in young patients that may have similar presentations to PTB include Crohns’ disease, ovarian pathology and acute appendicitis. Diagnosing PTB in the paediatric population tends to be even more challenging as an obvious history of exposure may be difficult to obtain. Diagnostic laparoscopic biopsy and histopathology provides definitive diagnosis. Most studies recommend a 6-month course of anti-TB therapy for abdominal tuberculosis with a planned regimen using Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol.\n This case report presents the case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with a history of recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting and pyrexia. Radiological, laparoscopic, and histopathological findings were used for final diagnosis of this condition. The patient was treated using the anti-tuberculosis therapy for 6 months following which, she was able to make a full recovery.