title: Indication for peritoneal biopsy in tuberculous peritonitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the introduction of effective antituberculous chemotherapy, the clinical outcome of tuberculous peritonitis depends much on the diagnostic accuracy of this disease entity. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art thinking regarding the protean manifestation and diagnostic modalities of this major infectious disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review was compiled after an extensive search of the current and historical literature, comprising 1,070 cases of tuberculous peritonitis. A number of important areas were highlighted, with emphasis on the diagnostic value and clinical impact of peritoneal biopsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe an aggressive diagnostic approach, particularly with peritoneal biopsy, is warranted for the diagnosis and timely treatment of tuberculous peritonitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Kai Ming
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Viola Chi-Ying
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Cheuk Chun
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Szeto
mesh_terms: D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents