Tuberculose abdominal: revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Abdominal tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary manifestation of infection by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis* bacillus, affecting the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal lymph* nodes, peritoneum, and, in some cases, other intra-abdominal organs. It is characterized by nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. These symptoms can make diagnosis difficult, as they may mimic other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and neoplasms. In addition to clinical manifestations similar to those of other diseases that can affect the region, the diagnostic difficulty is further compounded by the low sensitivity of the available methods for definitive diagnosis, since adequate access to the material to be biopsied is necessary, and there are intrinsic limitations to these methods. The only distinguishing features for diagnosis are caseous necrosis observed on biopsy, a positive smear for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and/or culture for AFB, as well as the presence of a necrotic lymph node visible on cross-sectional imaging. Although abdominal tuberculosis accounts for only 5% of tuberculosis cases worldwide, in countries where the disease is endemic, such as Brazil, it represents a significant public health issue, primarily due to the diagnostic challenges and the potential for mimicking other diseases. Misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment can significantly increase morbidity and mortality.