Abstract:
Fifty-nine cases of abdominal tuberculosis were seen at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, during the period 1976-1985. More than half of these patients were under 4 years of age and all were malnourished. Mesenteric adenitis and/or peritoneal involvement accounted for the majority of cases and only 8 patients with proven gastro-intestinal lesions were seen. The diagnosis of suspected abdominal tuberculosis is relatively easily made since abdominal distension occurs in almost all patients. More than half have an abdominal mass, a chest radiograph suggestive of tuberculosis, a positive Mantoux skin test or a combination of these as supportive evidence for the diagnosis. Over a quarter of the patients presented with signs suggestive of intestinal obstruction. Response to antituberculosis therapy is excellent. Stricture formation on healing may occur in a minority of patients with the enteric form of the disease. Providing it is not part of disseminated tuberculosis in a grossly malnourished young child, the prognosis with treatment for abdominal tuberculosis is satisfactory. Tuberculosis (TB) is still a common disease in Africa. Abdominal TB in adults has been well described but little information exists on the condition in children. It is relatively uncommon in this age group and the clinical presentation and type of involvement may differ from that of the adult.
Page(s):
27-32
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Challenge, Volume: 29, Issue: 1--3, Year: 1988