Extrapulmonary tuberculosis as acute tuberculous apendicitis

Abstract

Introduction: appendicitis is the most frequent abdominal surgical emergency, but tuberculosis as the etiological agent makes this case special, due to its very low frequency of 0.1 to 0.6%. Its incidental finding guided us to seek other involved organs and begin specific treatment. This is the first case report in our region.

Case report: a 33-year-old woman with a history of primary adrenal insufficiency being treated with fludrocortisone consulted due to right lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever and emesis, associated with leukocytosis with a left shift and a pathological urinalysis. A urinary tract infection was suspected, and antibiotic therapy was begun with no improvement. She was therefore seen by general surgery, who suspected acute abdomen arising from appendicitis. She underwent surgery with a subsequent histopathological study which suggested caseifying granulomatous inflammation compatible with tuberculosis, with ensuing proof of acid-fast bacilli using Ziehl Neelsen staining.

Conclusion: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis has diverse clinical presentations. Therefore, when faced with atypical manifestations of this disease we should maintain a level of suspicion. Acute tuberculous appendicitis generally presents in the context of an immunosuppressed patient, and its etiological diagnosis is carried out after surgery. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and review the biopsy result and stains, which will allow specific treatments to be carried out