Tuberculous peritonitis complicated by an intraperitoneal tuberculous abscess: A case report

BACKGROUND Tuberculous peritonitis(TBP)is a chronic,diffuse inflammation of the peritoneum caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.The route of infection can be by direct spread of intraperitoneal tuberculosis(TB)or by hematogenous dissemination.The former is more common,such as intestinal TB,mesenteric lymphatic TB,fa-llopian tube TB,etc.,and can be the direct primary lesion of the disease.CASE SUMMARY We present an older male patient with TBP complicated by an abdominal mass.The patient's preoperative symptoms,signs and imaging data suggested a poss-ible abdominal tumor.After surgical treatment,the patient's primary diagnosis of TBP complicating an intraperitoneal tuberculous abscess was established by com-bining past medical history,postoperative pathology,and positive results of TB-related laboratory tests.The patient's symptoms were significantly reduced after surgical treatment,and he was discharged from the hospital with instructions to continue treatment at a TB specialist hospital and to undergo anti-TB treatment if necessary.CONCLUSION This case report analyses the management of TBP complicated by intraperitoneal tuberculous abscess and highlights the importance of early definitive diagnosis in the hope of improving the clinical management of this type of disease.

Sensitivity of diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is higher with the automated cell count method

BACKGROUND Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP)is one of the most important complications of patients with liver cirrhosis entailing high morbidity and mortality.Making an accurate early diagnosis of this infection is key in the outcome of these patients.The current definition of SBP is based on studies performed more than 40 years ago using a manual technique to count the number of polymorphs in ascitic fluid(AF).There is a lack of data comparing the traditional cell count method with a current automated cell counter.Moreover,current international guidelines do not mention the type of cell count method to be employed and around half of the centers still rely on the traditional manual method.AIM To compare the accuracy of polymorph count on AF to diagnose SBP between the traditional manual cell count method and a modern automated cell counter against SBP cases fulfilling gold standard criteria:Positive AF culture and signs/symptoms of peritonitis.METHODS Retrospective analysis including two cohorts:Cross-sectional(cohort 1)and case-control(cohort 2),of patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites.Both cell count methods were conducted simultaneously.Positive SBP cases had a pathogenic bacteria isolated on AF and signs/symptoms of peritonitis.RESULTS A total of 137 cases with 5 positive-SBP,and 85 cases with 33 positive-SBP were included in cohort 1 and 2,respectively.Positive-SBP cases had worse liver function in both cohorts.The automated method showed higher sensitivity than the manual cell count:80%vs 52%,P=0.02,in cohort 2.Both methods showed very good specificity(>95%).The best cutoff using the automated cell counter was polymorph≥0.2 cells×10^(9)/L(equivalent to 200 cells/mm^(3))in AF as it has the higher sensitivity keeping a good specificity.CONCLUSION The automated cell count method should be preferred over the manual method to diagnose SBP because of its higher sensitivity.SBP definition,using the automated method,as polymorph cell count≥0.2 cells×10^(9)/L in AF would need to be considered in patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis.

Assessment by meta-analysis of interferon-gamma for the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis

AIM:To investigate the performance and diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) for tuberculous peritonitis(TBP) by meta-analysis.METHODS:A systematic search of English language studies was performed.We searched the following electronic databases:MEDLINE,EMBASE,Web of Science,BIOSIS,LILACS and the Cochrane Library.The Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy initiative and Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy tool were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.Sensitivity,specificity,and other measures of the accuracy of IFN-γ concentration in the diagnosis of peritoneal effusion were pooled using random-effects models.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were applied to summarize overall test performance.Two reviewers independently judged study eligibility while screening the citations.RESULTS:Six studies met the inclusion criteria.The average inter-rater agreement between the two reviewers for items in the quality checklist was 0.92.Analysis of IFN-γ level for TBP diagnosis yielded a summary estimate:sensitivity,0.93(95%CI,0.87-0.97);specificity,0.99(95%CI,0.97-1.00);positive likelihood ratio(PLR),41.49(95%CI,18.80-91.55);negative likelihood ratio(NLR),0.11(95%CI,0.06-0.19);and diagnostic odds ratio(DOR),678.02(95%CI,209.91-2190.09).χ 2 values of the sensitivity,specificity,PLR,NLR and DOR were 5.66(P = 0.3407),6.37(P = 0.2715),1.38(P = 0.9265),5.46(P = 0.3621) and 1.42(P = 0.9220),respectively.The summary receiver ROC curve was positioned near the desirable upper left corner and the maximum joint sensitivity and specificity was 0.97.The area under the curve was 0.99.The evaluation of publication bias was not significant(P = 0.922).CONCLUSION:IFN-γ may be a sensitive and specific marker for the accurate diagnosis of TBP.The level of IFN-γ may contribute to the accurate differentiation of tuberculosis(TB) ascites from non-TB ascites.

Tuberculous peritonitis in children:Report of nine patients and review of the literature

AIM:To present our experience with tuberculous peritonitis treated in our hospital from 2002-2007. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 9 children with tuberculous peritonitis. RESULTS: Nine patients (5 boys, 4 girls) of mean age 14.2 years were diagnosed with peritoneal tuberculosis. All patients presented with abdominal distention. Abdominal pain was seen in 55.5% and fever in 44.4% of the patients. Four cases had coexisting pleural effusion and two had pulmonary tuberculosis with parenchymal consolidation. Ultrasonography found ascites with septation in 7 patients. Two patients had only ascites without septation. Ascitic fluid analysis of 8 patients yielded serum-ascite albumin gradients of less than 1.1 gr/dL. Laparoscopy and laparotomy showed that whitish tuberculi were the most common appearance. Adhesions were also seen in three cases. The diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis was confirmed histo-pathologically in 7 patients and microbiologically in two. Two patients had been diagnosed by ascitic fluid diagnostic features and a positive response to antituberculous treatment. All patients completed the antituberculous therapy without any complications. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous peritonitis has to be clinically suspected in all patients with slowly progressive abdominal distension, particularly when it is accompanied by fever and pain. Laparoscopy and peritoneal biopsy are still the most reliable, quick and safe methods for the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.

Diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: An update on leucocyte esterase reagent strips

Ascites remain the commonest complication of decompensated cirrhosis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is defined as the infection of ascitic fluid (AF) in the absence of a contiguous source of infection and/or an intraabdominal inflammatory focus. An AF polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte count ≥ 250/mm 3 -irrespective of the AF culture resultis universally accepted nowadays as the best surrogate marker for diagnosing SBP. Frequently the results of the manual or automated PMN count do not reach the hands of the responsible medical personnel in a timely manner. However, this is a crucial step in SBP management. Since 2000, 26 studies (most of them published as full papers) have checked the validity of using leukocyte esterase reagent strips (LERS) in SBP diagnosis. LERS appear to have low sensitivity for SBP, some LERS types more than others. On the other hand, though, LERS have consistently given a high negative predictive value (> 95% in the majority of the studies) and this supports the use of LERS as a preliminary screening tool for SBP diagnosis. Finally, an AF-tailored dipstick has been developed. Within the proper setting, it is set to become the mainstream process for handling AF samples.

Role of ascites adenosine deaminase in differentiating between tuberculous peritonitis and peritoneal carcinomatosis

AIM： To investigate the usefulness of tumor markers and adenosine deaminase in differentiating between tuberculous peritonitis （TBP） and peritoneal carcinoma- tosis （PC）. METHODS： A retrospective analysis of data was per- formed on consecutive patients who underwent perito- neoscopic and abdominal computed tomography （CT） evaluations. Among 75 patients at the Seoul National University Hospital from January 2000 to June 2010 who underwent both tests, 27 patients （36.0%） and 25 patients （33.3%） were diagnosed with TBP and PC, re- spectively. Diagnosis was confirmed by peritoneoscopic biopsy. RESULTS： Serum c-reactive protein （7.88：1：6.62 mg/ dL vs 3.12 ＋ 2.69 mg/dL, P = 0.01）, ascites adenos- ine deaminase （66.76：1：32.09 IU/L vs 13.89 ：l： 8.95 IU/L, P 〈 0.01）, ascites lymphocyte proportion （67.77 ：1： 23.41% vs 48.36 ＋ 18.78%, P 〈 0.01）, and serum- ascites albumin gradient （0.72 ＋ 0.49 g/dL vs 1.05 ＋ 0.50 g/dL, P = 0.03） were significantly different be- tween the two groups. Among tumor markers, serum and ascites carcinoembryonic antigen, serum carbohy- drate antigen 19-9 showed significant difference be- tween two groups. Abdominal CT examinations showed that smooth involvement of the parietal peritoneum was more common in the TBP group （77.8% vs 40.7%） whereas nodular involvement was more common in the PC group （14.8% vs 40.7%, P = 0.04）. From receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves ascites adeno- sines deaminase （ADA） showed better discriminative capability than tumor markers. An ADA cut-off level of 21 IU/L was found to yield the best results of differ- ential diagnosis; sensitivity, specificity, positive predic- tive value, and negative predictive value were 92.0%, 85.0%, 88.5% and 89.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION： Besides clinical and radiologic findings, ascitic fluid ADA measurement is helpful in the differen- tial diagnosis of TBP and PC.

Efficacy of leukocyte esterase dipstick test as a rapid test in diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of dipstick test in diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients who underwent abdominal paracentesis based on the locally available dipstick test. METHODS: There were 200 consecutive samples from cirrhotic patients who underwent abdominal paracentesis. Urine dipstick (Combur10 Test?M, Roche, Mannheim, Germany) was used as a screening test. A manual cell count with differential study was done in all samples by experienced technicians. The polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count more than 250 cells/mm3 was used as a diagnostic cut off level. One to three plus dipstick results were used as cut off levels for a positive result. The dipstick test results had to be agreed by three experienced readers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of two different colorimetric cut off scales (1+ and 2+) were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The prevalence of SBP diagnosed by manual cell count was 21.0%. There were 128 specimens that had a true negative result by dipstick. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of 1+ and 2+ cut off scale to diagnose SBP were 88%, 81%, 55%, 96% and 83% respectively, and 63%, 96%, 82%, 81% and 89% respectively. CONCLUSION: Dipstick test can be used as a rapid test for screening of SBP. The higher cut off colorimetric scale has a better specificity and positive predictive value but a lower sensitivity.

Prevalence of tuberculous peritonitis in the North of Iraq and sociodemographic comparison with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective:Tuberculosis continues to be an important health problem in the world.Despite the widespread impression that abdominal tuberculosis is rare today,the disease is still endemic in developing world and is reemerging in the West.The aim is to review our local experience with tuberculous peritonitis.Methods:Between January 2000 and December 2006,the case records of histologically documented tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) diagnosed and treated at the tuberculosis coordinating center in Erbil city,Iraq were reviewed.Comparisons were made with pulmonary tuberculosis patients regarding socio-demographic,clinical and laboratory findings.Results:Forty one cases of TBP were diagnosed during the study period.Their age range was 26-72 years(46±17),with a male:female ratio of 1.5;1.The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 6 weeks(range;10 days to 18 months.).Eleven patients(26.8%) had comorbid conditions and 6 patients (14.6%) had a history of positive contact with Tuberculosis(TB) case.Presenting symptoms were abdominal distension(70%),abdominal pain(65%),fever(68%),anorexia(65%) and weight loss(44%).Four patients had pulmonary symptoms;cough and/ dyspnoea(n= 2 ) and cough(n= 2).Chest X-ray changes consistent with pulmonary tuberulosis(PTB) were seen in 25%.Tuberculous peritonitis was diagnosed by laparoscopy (n=29) and laparotomy(n= 12).Adverse effects of TB drugs occurred in nearly 40%,consisting of hepatitis(n= 2),nausea/vomiting(n= 11),rash(n = 2) and encephalopathy(n = 1).Hemoglobin and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in tuberculous peritonitis(TBP)TBP patients(P =0.027 and 0. 003,respectively).There was a significantly greater occurrence of adverse effects(P【0.001) in TBP patients. No significant differences between TBP and PTB were demonstrated in regard to age and sex distribution, non-specific symptoms(fever,weight loss,and anorexia) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.All were treated with standard regimens and responded to treatment.Conclusion:Tuberculous peritonitis is prevalent in our population.Therefore.TBP should be considered in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms and nonspecific constitutional symptoms,particularly in young patients.Laparoscopy and laparotomy with tissue biopsy was the specific diagnostic procedure.

Primary malignant peritoneal mesothelioma mimicking tuberculous peritonitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma(MPM)is a rare malignancy arising in mesothelial cells in the peritoneum.It can be mistaken for many other diseases,such as peritoneal carcinomatosis and tuberculous peritonitis(TBP),because its clinical manifestations are often nonspecific.Therefore,the diagnosis of MPM is often challenging and delayed.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old man was referred to our hospital with lower abdominal pain for 1 wk and ascites observed under abdominal sonography.His laboratory findings revealed an isolated elevated tumor marker of carcinoma antigen 125(167.4 U/m L;normal,<35 U/m L),and contrast enhanced computed tomography showed peritoneal thickening.Thus,differential diagnoses of TBP,carcinomatosis of an unknown nature,and primary peritoneal malignancy were considered.After both esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy produced negative findings,laparoscopic intervention was performed.The histopathological results revealed mesothelioma invasion into soft tissue composed of a papillary,tubular,single-cell arrangement of epithelioid cells.In addition,immunohistochemical staining was positive for mesothelioma markers and negative for adenocarcinoma markers.Based on the above findings,TBP was excluded,and the patient was diagnosed with MPM.CONCLUSION It is important to distinguish MPM from TBP because they have similar symptoms and blood test findings.

Coexistence of tuberculous peritonitis and primary papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum:A case report and review of the literature

A major diagnostic challenge to the evaluation of an incomplete intestinal obstruction is to distinguish between infectious and malignant etiologies.We present a case of an elderly woman complaining of abdominal pain accompanied with nausea and vomiting,and failure to pass gas or stools.Anti-tuberculosis drugs were used to relieve her abdominal pain,and a needle biopsy of the peritoneal cavity showed evidence of primary papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum(PSCP). This is a rare description of tuberculosis in the setting of PSCP.This report illustrates the potential complex nature of malignancies,and emphasizes the need to consider coexistence of malignancy and infection in patients, especially in those with risk factors for malignancy who fail with antibiotic therapy.

CT Differentiation of Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Tuberculous Peritonitis, and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Objective:To investigate the significance of computed tomography findings in diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma(DMPeM),tuberculous peritonitis(TBP),and peritoneal carcinomatosis(PC)to differentiate the three diseases.Methods:The clinical manifestation and computed tomography scans of 147 patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma(n=60),tuberculous peritonitis(n=32),and peritoneal carcinomatosis(n=55)were retrospectively reviewed,while taking into account of ascites,pleural plaques,viscera infiltration;abnormalities in the peritoneum;involvement of the mesentery and omentum;as well as the presence and location of enlarged lymph nodes.Results:There was no significant difference among all three groups in terms of clinical manifestation,peritoneum,omentum,and mesentery involvement,ascites,as well as the presence and location of enlarged lymph nodes.The study found that 95%of DMPeM patients had been exposed to asbestos in the past.The patients showed significant differences in the following aspects:(1)irregular peritoneum thickening,caked omentum thickening,pleural plaques,visceral infiltration,and asbestos exposure were more common in peritoneal mesothelioma patients;(2)nodular peritoneum thickening and visceral metastasis were more common in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis;(3)smooth peritoneal thickening,pleural effusion,and extraperitoneal tuberculosis were more common in patients with tuberculous peritonitis.Conclusion:A combination of computed tomography findings could improve our ability in differentiating the three diseases.

Tuberculous Peritonitis Mimicking Malignancy during Adalimumab Therapy in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

We present a case of tuberculous peritonitis in a 46-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated with adalimumab, and we review the association between anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy and tuberculosis. This case illustrates that tuberculosis can develop with atypical clinic and uncertain laboratory findings and may mimic malignancies during adalimumab therapy.

Research Progress of microRNA in the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Pleurisy

Tuberculosis has become a major public health and social problem threatening human health, and a large proportion of pulmonary tuberculosis patients are associated with tuberculous pleurisy (TP). Therefore, it is of great significance to find markers with high specificity and sensitivity for the rapid and accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis of TP under the severe background of high infectivity and mortality due to the occult nature of TP. The extraction of microRNA (miRNA) from pleural effusion satisfies the characteristics of strong operability. miRNA exists not only in cells, but also in various body fluids and participates in the pathophysiological process of various diseases including infectious diseases. miRNA is a highly specific biomarker in pleural fluid in patients with TP. Therefore, this article provides a review of the research progress of mRNA in tuberculous pleurisy.

Tertiary peritonitis: A disease that should not be ignored

Intra-abdominal infections can be classified into uncomplicated or complicated(peritonitis). Peritonitis is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary. Tertiaryperitonitis is the less common but the most severe among peritonitisstratifications, being defined as a recurrent intra-abdominal infection that occurs48 h after a well-succeeded control of a secondary peritonitis. This disease has acomplex pathogenesis that is closely related to the capacity of the peritonealcavity to activate immunological processes. Patients who progress to persistentperitonitis are at an increased risk of developing several infectious complicationssuch as sepsis and multiple organ failure syndrome. Moreover, tertiary peritonitisremains an important cause of hospital death mainly among patients withassociated risk factors. The microbiological profile of organisms causing tertiaryperitonitis is often different from that observed in other types of peritonitis. Inaddition, there is a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing thiscondition, and an appropriate and successful clinical management depends on anearly diagnosis, which can be made easier with the use of clinical scorespresenting a good prediction value during the intensive care unit admission.Complementarily, immediate therapy should be performed to control theinfectious focus and to prevent new recurrences. In this sense, the treatment isbased on initial antimicrobial therapy and well-performed peritoneal drainage.

Misdiagnosis of tuberculosis and the clinical relevance of nontuberculous mycobacteria in Zambia

Objective:To determine the accuracy of TB diagnosis of TB in Zambia in the era of increasing HIV prevalence.Methods:Sputum of the clinically diagnosed TB cases was additionally subjected to liquid culture and molecular identification.This study distinguished between TB cases confirmed by positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tuberculosis) cultures and mycobacterial disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria(NTM).Results:Only 49% of the 173 presumptively diagnosed TB cases was M.tuberculosis cultured,while in 13% (22) cases,a combination of M.tuberculosis and NTM was found.In 18% of the patients only NTM were cultured.In 28% ,no mycobacteria was cultivable.HIV positive status was correlated with the isolation of NTM(P【0.05).Conclusions:The diagnosis of tuberculosis based on symptoms, sputum smear and/or chest X-ray leads to significant numbers of false-positive TB cases in Zambia,most likely due to the increased prevalence of HIV.The role of NTM in tuberculosislike disease also seems relevant to the false diagnosis of TB in Zambia.

Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis:Experience from 11 cases and review of the literature

AIM:To analyze the experience within our hospital and to review the literature so as to establish the best means of diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. METHODS:The records of 11 patients (4 males,7 females, mean age 39 years,range 18-65 years) diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis in Harran University Hospital between January 1996 and October 2003 were analyzed retrospectively and the literature was reviewed. RESULTS:Ascites was present in all cases.Other common findings were weight loss (81%),weakness (81%),abdominal mass (72%),abdominal pain (72%),abdominal distension (63%),anorexia (45%) and night sweat (36%).The average hemoglobin was 8.2 g/dL and the average FAR was 50 mm/h (range 30-125).Elevated levels of cancer antigen CA-125 were determined in four patients.Abdominal ultrasound showed abnormalities in all cases:ascites in all,tuboovarian mass in five,omental thickening in 3,and enlarged lymph nodes (mesenteric,para-aortic) in 2.CT scans showed ascites in all,pelvic mass in 5,retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy in 4,mesenteric stranding in 4,omental stranding in 3, bowel wall thickening in 2 and mesenteric lymphadenopathy in 2.Only one patient had a chest radiograph suggestive of a new TB lesion.Two had a positive family history of pulmonary TB.None had acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in the sputum and the tuberculin test was positive in only two.Laparotomy was performed in 6 cases,laparoscopy in 4 and ultrasound- guided fine needle aspiration in 2.In those patients subjected to operation,the findings were multiple diffuse involvement of the visceral and parietal peritoneum,white ‘miliary nodules’or plaques,enlarged lymph nodes,ascites, ‘violin string’fibrinous strands,and omental thickening. Biopsy specimens showed granulomas,while ascitic fluid showed numerous lymphocytes.Both were negative for acid-fast bacilli by staining.PCR of ascitic fluid was positive for Mycobactenum tuberculosis ( M.tuberculosis) in all cases. CONCLUSION:Abdominal TB should be considered in all cases with ascites.Our experience suggests that PCR of ascitic fluid obtained by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is a reliable method for its diagnosis and should at least be attempted before surgical intervention.

Diagnosis and treatment of benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma(BMPM)is a rare cystic mesothelial lesion that occurs predominantly in reproductive aged women.A 56-year-old Caucasian male was admitted to our surgical department with a chief complaint of a painful mass in his right lower abdomen for almost 2 years.The physical examination revealed a palpable painful mass.Computed tomography demonstrated an irregular,cystic tumor in his right lower abdomen.There was no obvious capsule or internal septations.No enhancement after intravenous administration of contrast was noted.An exploratory laparotomy was performed,and a multicystic tumor and adherent to the caecum was noted.The walls of the cysts were thin and smooth,filled with clear fluid,and very friable.An en bloc resection of the tumor,including appendix and caecum,was performed.Histological examination revealed multiple cysts lined with flattened simple epithelial cells,and the capsule walls of the cysts were composed of fibrous tissue.Immunohistochemical analysis documented positive expression of mesothelial cells and calretinin.The final diagnosis was BMPM.The patient was well at 6-mo follow-up.BMPM is exceedingly rare lesion.A complete resection of the tumor is required.The diagnosis of BMPM is based on pathological analysis.

Evaluation of molecular and immunological methods for diagnosis of tuberculosis pleurisy

Objective:The inefficiency of conventional laboratory methods for diagnosis of Pleural tuberculosis(TBP) and the reliance on pleural biopsy have motivated the evaluation of alternative diagnostic strategies.Our goal was to evaluate different laboratory techniques Ziehl Neelsen,Mantoux skin test,determination of interferon gamma in serum and pleural fluid,polymerase chain reaction and serological study of specific IgG,IgM and IgA beside bacteriological culture by BACTEC 460 TB for rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis pleurisy. Methods:Patients presented with pleural effusions were subjected to study by ZN,PCR,serological study By specific IgG,IgM and IgA for A60 of tuberculosis compared to culture by BACTEC460 TB.Interferon gamma was determined both in serum and pleural fluid.Results:Mantoux skin test was positive in 19 TBP patients and four patients with exudative pleural effusion.Z.N staining results of pleural biopsy specimens were positive in only 1 of 23 patients(4.3%) in the tuberculous pleural effusion group.PCR was positive in 20 cases of group 1(87%).Serum and pleural fluid interferon had significantly elevated levels(P【0.000 1) in TBP and both measurements had significant correlation in TBP(P【0.000 1).The serum IgA ELISA test was positive in 7/23(30.4%),IgM was positive in 17/23(73.9%) patients and IgG was positive in 16/23(69%) patients.Non of the non TBP had either ZN,PCR or positive serum IgA,IgG,or IgM.When the positive results for IgG and IgM were combined together the serological tests correcdy identified 20/23(87%) of patients. Conclusion:We suggest that in TBP serological diagnosis by combined use of IgG and IgM for A60 antigen with serum determination of interferon gamma can provide rapid and non invasive diagnostic tool that can justify the starting of chemotherapy while awaiting the results of culture.

Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Case Report

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma(BMPM)is a rare tumor originating from peritoneal mesothelial cells.Here,we present a case of an 18-year-old male with right lower abdominal pain.Physical examination revealed a palpable mass with unclear boundaries.Laboratory tests showed elevated levels of monocytes and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.CT scan revealed a cystic mass in the ileocecal region with multiple septations.Laparoscopic surgery confirmed a cystic solid mass resembling beads on the colon’s right side.Immunohistochemistry confirmed BMPM diagnosis.BMPM,especially in the ileocecal region,is uncommon and presents diagnostic challenges.Differential diagnosis includes lymphangioma,peritoneal metastasis,and malignant mesothelioma.CT findings,such as thin cyst walls and septations,aid in diagnosis.Recognition of BMPM’s imaging features improves diagnostic accuracy.Surgical resection remains the primary treatment.This case underscores the importance of considering BMPM in young male patients with abdominal pain and emphasizes the value of imaging modalities in accurate diagnosis and management.

Recent advances in photodynamic diagnosis of gastriccancer using 5-aminolevulinic acid

Photodynamic diagnosis based on 5-aminolevulinic acidinduced protoporphyrin IX has been clinically applied in many fields based upon its evidenced efficacy and adequate safety. In order to establish a personalized medicine approach for treating gastric cancer patients, rapid intraoperative detection of malignant lesions has become important. Feasibility of photodynamic diagnosis using 5-aminolevulinic acid for gastric cancer patients has been investigated, especially for the detection of peritoneal dissemination and lymph node metastasis. This method enables intraoperative realtime fluorescence detection of peritoneal dissemination, exhibiting higher sensitivity than white light observation without histopathological examination. The method also enables detection of metastatic foci within excised lymph nodes, exhibiting a diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of a current molecular diagnostics technique. Although several complicating issues still need to be resolved, such as the effect of tissue autofluorescence and the insufficient depth penetration of excitation light, this simple and rapid method has the potential to become a useful diagnostic tool for gastric cancer, as well as urinary bladder cancer and glioma.