[Abdominal tuberculosis].

20 cases of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) were evaluated; from these, 10% with intestinal TB without peritoneal involvement and 90% presenting TB of peritoneal localization. 80% of the patients showed clinical manifestation in other organs. Pleura-lung alterations were found in 83% of the cases after X-ray chest examination. The diagnosis of abdominal TB was based on finding of caseating tuberculoid granuloma (65%), anti-TB therapeutic response (30%) and positive observation of acid-fast bacillus in sputum (5%). The conclusions from this review are that: 1) Patients with chronic illness, negative cultures and clinical evidence of infectious etiology are highly suspicious; 2) Analysis of pathologic specimens was the most accurate diagnostic method; 3) when abdominal TB is suspected a stepwise methodology must be followed to confirm diagnosis; 4) Anti-TB therapy must be started as soon as diagnosis is confirmed.