Sigmoid Colon Tuberculosis Revealed by a Perforation and Peritonitis

Abstract

Intestinal tuberculosis is a frequent disease in developing countries, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. However, tuberculosis of the colon is rarer, and it also appears to be more common in immunosuppressed patients. We report the case of a 71-year-old immunocompetent man who was admitted to the emergency department with an acute abdomen and features of perforation peritonitis. A sigmoid perforation on cancer was suspected on computed tomography (CT) scan and surgical exploration. A standard sigmoidectomy with end colostomy (Hartmann's procedure) and peritoneal toileting was done. The pathological assessment of the surgical specimen revealed the sigmoid colon tuberculosis, complicated by perforation and peritonitis. Thus, the unexpected diagnosis of sigmoid colon tuberculosis was only made after the histopathological examination. Then, he received anti-tuberculosis treatment for six months. Therefore, a complete colonoscopy was performed at the end of the treatment, which returned to be normal. Thereafter, the restoration of intestinal continuity was performed. Colon tuberculosis is a rare disease and even rarer in people without immunodeficiency or on immunosuppressive therapy. If diverticulitis is the most common cause of sigmoid perforation, sigmoid perforation because of tuberculosis is extremely rare. However, an isolated primary sigmoid perforation of tubercular origin is not reported. We report this exceptional case of sigmoid colon tuberculosis complicated by perforation and generalized peritonitis to sensitize the medical team to its rare occurrence, which will be of paramount importance due to the increasing incidence of tuberculosis worldwide.

Keywords: colon perforation; peritonitis; sigmoid tuberculosis; sigmoidectomy; surgical case reports.

Figure 1. X-ray of abdomen

X-ray of abdomen, showing sub-diaphragmatic free air.

Figure 2. Abdominal CT scan

Axial CT scan showing a distention of small and large bowel (White arrow).

Figure 3. Abdominal CT scan

Axial CT scan of the patient on admission showing free air in the peritoneal cavity.