Peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian cancer can be diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Confusion can result when a differential diagnosis includes peritoneal tuberculosis and ovarian cancer because of overlapping clinical and laboratory findings.


METHODS
A 37-year-old woman presented with aggressive abdominal distension. At laparotomy, massive ascites was present accompanied by miliary deposits throughout the abdomen. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conducted with ascites fluid produced DNA sequences compatible with tuberculosis.


CONCLUSIONS
PCR can be a rapid and reliable method for identification of peritoneal tuberculosis; acceleration of the diagnostic decision-making process prevents exposure to unnecessary surgery and allows early initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Wang
Yu-Chi
YC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, 325, Sec 2, Cheng-Kung Road, Neihu, Taipei 114, Taiwan.
Lu
Jang-Jih
JJ
Chen
Chi-Huang
CH
Peng
Yi-Jen
YJ
Yu
Mu-Hsien
MH
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000235:genetics*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction