Clinical Features and Outcomes of Abdominal Tuberculosis

Background: Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon but significant form of extrapulmonary TB, posing diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific presentation. This study describes the clinical spectrum, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes of abdominal TB. Material and Methods: An analysis of 50 patients diagnosed with and treated for abdominal TB at a tertiary care center was conducted. Data on demographics, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: The median age of patients was 48 years, with a male predominance (52%). The most common form was luminal TB (48%), followed by peritoneal (22%), visceral (18%), mixed (8%), and nodal TB (4%). Abdominal pain (36%) and distension (20%) were the most frequent symptoms. Diagnosis was confirmed microbiologically or histologically in 56% of patients, while 44% were diagnosed clinically based on presentation and response to therapy. The ileocecal region was the most common luminal site. Surgery was required in 16% of patients, either for diagnosis or complications. The majority of patients (86%) showed a complete response to anti-TB therapy. The mortality rate was 2%. Conclusion: Abdominal TB exhibits diverse clinical forms. A high index of suspicion is crucial for diagnosis, often relying on a combination of clinical, radiological, and histological findings. With prompt anti-TB treatment, most patients achieve a complete response and excellent prognosis, with surgery reserved for a minority of cases.

Keywords: Abdominal Tuberculosis, Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis, Luminal TB, Peritoneal TB, Anti-TB Therapy.