Tuberculous peritonitis: fatality associated with delayed diagnosis

Abstract

We describe a fatal case of tuberculous peritonitis and review the literature on the diagnostic modalities available to diagnose this entity. We suspect a delayed diagnosis resulted in the death of our patient. Today, the prompt diagnosis of an unknown ascitic process involves laparoscopy. A patient with unknown large volume ascites is the easiest and safest to laparoscope. Using a mini laparoscope, a bedside procedure with instantaneous return can be done. The newer noninvasive tests like determination of ascites fluid adenosine deaminase activity and polymerase chain reaction may be helpful in the prompt diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. We recommend that patients with clinical presentation suggestive of peritoneal tuberculosis have either an aggressive diagnostic workup using high-yield tests or a trial of antituberculous therapy.