CLINICAL PROFILE OF ABDOMINAL TUBERCULOSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF CENTRAL INDIA-A DESCRIPTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis of abdomen is an increasingly seen clinical problem. The disease can mimic many other intra-abdominal pathologies and becomes a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician. Abdominal tuberculosis can be associated with pulmonary tuberculosis or can be seen as an isolated pathology. With the advent of newer imaging modalities and investigations like ADA levels and CB-NAAT, the diagnosis can be reached with a reasonable accuracy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinico-pathological profile of patients with abdominal tuberculosis in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have conducted this descriptive observational study for a period of one and a half years, i.e. from 1st Jan 2017 to 30th June 2018. All the patients who were admitted and were diagnosed as cases of abdominal tuberculosis were included in this study. The collected data was tabulated and analysed statistically. RESULTS This descriptive observational study included forty patients of abdominal tuberculosis during a period of one and a half years. Distension of abdomen (80%) with pain and anorexia (78%) were the commonest presenting symptoms. Forty five percent patients were between 18 and 40 years of age. Lower socioeconomic strata patients were 72.5%, which suggests that poor sanitation and lack of good nutrition are major factors in the causation of tuberculosis. Raised ADA levels (in 92.5%) and positive CB-NAAT status (92.5%) were significant values. Imaging modalities like ultrasonography and computerised tomography were useful in reaching the diagnosis in more than fifty percent of patients of abdominal tuberculosis. CONCLUSION Abdominal tuberculosis is a disease with varied presentations. It can mimic many other abdominal pathologies. Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is sometimes difficult. Delay in the diagnosis can increase the morbidity and mortality of this condition. High index of suspicion on the part of the treating physician is of greatest value. Newer advents of imaging modalities and investigations like CB-NAAT, ADA levels etc. are helpful in making an early diagnosis. Tuberculosis being a communicable infection, should be prevented and eradicated by us to safeguard the future generations.