Peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking peritoneal carcinomatosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a serious infection that can appear in many forms and presentations. Here, we highlight a case of a 13 year old patient with a three-month history of nonspecific abdominal pain whose symptoms persisted after treating Typhoid and H. pylori infections. She had subsequent computedtomography imaging notable for nodular thickening of the omentum and ascites concerning for possible carcinomatosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy with peritoneal biopsy revealed abdominal tuberculosis, and she had resolution of symptoms following appropriate medical therapy. We discuss the risk factors, clinical features, and work-up in the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis.