[Peritoneal tuberculosis in children: report of two cases].
Peritoneal tuberculosis is an uncommon presentation of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in children. It usually presents as ascites, abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss.


METHODS
We report two adolescent patients who presented with ascites, fever, weight loss and abdominal distension. In one case, the diagnosis was late, and confirmed by ascites culture. In the second case, a laparoscopy was performed and showed whitish nodules involving the entire abdominal cavity, compatible with peritoneal tuberculosis, later confirmed bacteriologically.


CONCLUSIONS
Peritoneal tuberculosis presents with nonspecific symptoms. Because laboratory investigations may not be helpful, diagnosis may be difficult. Peritoneal-fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) determination and coelioscopy seem to be the best way to make a rapid diagnosis.
Blanc
P
P
Service de pédiatrie, site de Poissy, centre hospitalier Poissy-Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 10, rue du Champ-Gaillard, BP 3082, 78303 Poissy, France. pblanc@chi-psg.com
Perrin
I
I
Barlet
L
L
Talbotec
C
C
Goulet
O
O
Paupe
A
A
Lenclen
R
R
Carbajal
R
R
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D015431:Weight Loss