Tuberculous peritonitis in a geriatric patient: a case report
Li, C.P.; Hwang, S.J.; Luo, J.C.; Chang, F.Y.; Lee, S.D.; Chau, G.Y.
Advances in Therapy 15(5): 271-276
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0741-238X PMID: 10345148 Document Number: 496610
In geriatric patients with exudative ascites, malignant ascites is a common etiology. Tuberculous peritonitis is rarely seen and usually overlooked. We describe a 67-year-old man who suffered from exudative ascites for 1 month before admission. None of the noninvasive diagnostic methods utilized enabled us to make a correct diagnosis. Peritoneoscopic examination demonstrated multiple whitish miliary nodules and some larger nodules in the parietal and visceral peritoneum. Excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis. This case reminds us that although malignant ascites is more prevalent in geriatric patients with exudative ascites, peritoneoscopy is indicated when noninvasive diagnostic methods allow no definite diagnosis.