Tuberculous appendicitis

Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2011 Jul-Aug;17(4):287-8. doi: 10.4103/1319-3767.82587.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is quite rare, representing only 3% of all extrapulmonary cases. Involvement of the appendix is rare, only occurring in about 1% of cases. It is usually secondary to tuberculosis elsewhere in the abdomen. A prompt diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion as clinical signs may be nonspecific and microbiological confirmation is difficult. Histopathologic examination is often the only way to reach a diagnosis and to establish specific antibiotic therapy. In these cases, due to the absence of specific symptoms and signs, the diagnosis is delayed until after surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Appendectomy / methods
  • Appendicitis / microbiology*
  • Appendicitis / pathology
  • Appendicitis / therapy*
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Morocco
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / pathology
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / therapy*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents