Peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian carcinoma with ascites and elevated serum CA-125: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Peritoneal tuberculosis is rare in the western world, although its incidence has been increasing in recent years. The presenting signs and symptoms, imaging examinations and CA-125 status in peritoneal tuberculosis may resemble that of ovarian carcinoma. Thus, the possibility of peritoneal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma, especially in women immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. A case of peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian carcinoma in a young woman immigrant from India is described. The patient presented with ascites, abdominopelvic masses and elevated serum CA-125 (1,081 U/ml). Laparoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis and no malignancy, and thereby unnecessary extended surgery was avoided. Following treatment with the 4-drug anti-tuberculosis regimen, the patient recovered with disappearance of ascites and abdominopelvic masses, and return of CA-125 to normal range. It is concluded that laparoscopy, if feasible, seems to be a sufficient and safe method to provide diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis.