Clinical, peritoneal fluid and peritoneal biopsy findings in cases of suspected tuberculosis ascites.

Thesis Report.

ABSTRACT: Tuberculosis manifests in many forms. Abdominal tuberculosis is commonly seen in developing countries. Many patients present with ascites due to tuberculosis peritonitis. 35 patients underwent percutaneous peritoneal biopsy in this study. There were 19 females and 16 males. Except in two patients there was m=no evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. Percutaneous peritoneal biopsy had a diagnostic yield of 28.51% in diagnosing the cause of exuadative ascites. This included 17.14% of tuberculosis peritonitis and 11.41% malignant ascites. The yield of tuberculosis granulomas was lower than that of the previously published studies. Non specific chronic inflammation was seen in 51.4% of cases. Tissue diagnosis, the gold standard in diagnosis of tuberculosis peritonitis is not possible in most cases due to monetary, technical and patient factors. Where possible, a repeat biopsy may be considered ( either percutaneous, laparoscopic, or by laparotomy). A trial of anti tuberculosis drugs may be justified in areas where tuberculosis is endemic and where facilities for biopsy are lacking.

Eng.