[Tuberculosis peritonitis: an always present disease. About 4 new cases].
BACKGROUND
Tuberculous peritonitis, a major problem in developing country, occurs preferentially in immigrant population and in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although rare in France, it did not disappear and epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic approach deserve to be reminded.


METHODS
We reported 4 patients (immigrants in two cases), occurred in caucasian and African persons (one with AIDS). Disease was characterized by fever, abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss and ascites. Biological and radiological were unconclusive. Cell count analysis from ascitic fluid show a lymphocytic predominance with negative direct smear for Ziehl-Neelsen strain. Tuberculous peritonitis was established with combined visual and histological diagnosic laparoscopic examination.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations have the interest to underline that tuberculous peritonitis must be evoked in case of lymphocytic ascitis. We believe an aggressive diagnostic approach, particulary with peritoneal biopsy, is warranted for the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis. Validity of PCR amplification is ascitic fluid still needs to be established.
Robaday
S
S
Département de médecine interne, CHU de Rouen, 76031 Rouen cedex, France.
Belizna
C
C
Kerleau
J M
JM
Héron
F
F
Cailleux
N
N
Lecomte
F
F
Marie
I
I
Lévesque
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic
D000995:Antitubercular Agents