Peritoneal tuberculosis masquerading as an ovarian malignancy in a young female: A case report

Abstract The clinical manifestations of peritoneal tuberculosis are quite variable, nonspecific and mimic many diseases and pathological conditions such as lymphoma, and ovarian malignancy. Due to this clinical overlap and limited accuracy of diagnostic tests, more awareness of this disease is requi...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bright Oppong, Solomon Gyabaah, Gorden Manu Amponsah, Ato Quansah, Eric Amoako Darkwa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-03-01
Series:Clinical Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8617
Description
Summary:Abstract The clinical manifestations of peritoneal tuberculosis are quite variable, nonspecific and mimic many diseases and pathological conditions such as lymphoma, and ovarian malignancy. Due to this clinical overlap and limited accuracy of diagnostic tests, more awareness of this disease is required to enable early diagnosis and prompt treatment. This is a case of a 25‐year‐old female with no known chronic illness who presented with worsening generalized abdominal pains and distension of 2 months duration. There was an associated significant weight loss of 17 kg. She was initially diagnosed with ovarian malignancy based of ultrasound findings and elevated CA‐125 levels. However, further evaluation later was consistent with peritoneal tuberculosis for which she was treated. Her symptoms resolved completely after 6 months of anti‐tuberculosis treatment. Diagnosis of abdominal TB remains challenging as it is non‐specific. Its features and clinical manifestation overlap with other conditions such as ovarian malignancy. A high index of suspicions and judicious application of the available diagnostic test is need for prompt diagnosis. No single test can effectively diagnose peritoneal TB, but a combination of history, and radiological, immunologic, molecular, and cytologic tests are important.
ISSN:2050-0904