Spectrum of Presentation of Abdominal Tuberculosis at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore

GTTH, Lahore from July 2006 to June 2009 to assess the clinical presentation of abdominal tuberculosis and its management. Methods: All patients presenting to outpatient/emergency department with clinical features suggestive of abdominal tuberculosis were included in the study. They were investigated. On the basis of clinical presentation, patients were divided in two groups. Patients with acute presentation (obstruction / perforation) were prepared and subjected to urgent laparotomy. Patients with chronic presentation (mass, subacute obstruction, etc) were managed conservatively with ATT. Empirical therapeutic trial was considered for three months. On reassessment, when good clinical response was considered, anti TB therapy was continued with monthly follow up. In case of no response, patients were operated. Required surgical intervention performed and tissue was taken to establish diagnosis. Results: Amongst 50 patients majority were females 34(56.7%). Most of the patients were young with mean age of 31 years. Abdominal pain was the most common presentation i.e. 50 (100%) followed by fever and vomiting. Mass abdomen was found in 30(60%). Family history of TB was present in 25(50%). Thirty eight (76%) patients underwent laparotomy. Bands and adhesions were the most frequent findings on laparotomy. Conclusion: Abdominal TB is more common in female and abdominal pain/fever are the most common presentations.