The diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis is often delayed, given that this clinical condition has become rare in developed countries, while its presentation often proves to be indolent, with non-specific clinical features. In addition, the tests used to diagnose peritoneal tuberculosis do not enable us to distinguish this pathology from other abdominal diseases. Ziehl-Neelsen staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis are not always sensitive. Culture growth can take up to 2 months before yielding results. While quick alternative non-invasive tests, such as plasmatic adenosine deaminase levels, may prove useful for diagnosis, laparoscopy remains the gold standard for peritoneal tuberculosis, allowing for both direct examination and tissue sampling in view of culture and histologic analysis.
Key Words
Belgium, peritoneal tuberculosis, ascites, laparoscopy, PCR, adenosine deaminase