ABSTRACT
Introduction: Peritoneal tuberculosis (PT) is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in children. The diagnosis is difficult because of its clinical polymorphism. Laparoscopy is the gold standard to make the diagnosis by exploring and performing peritoneal biopsies. Our aim was to show the place of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of PT, to compare the anatomopathological results of peritoneal biopsies with a macroscopic appearance to quick start antituberculosis treatment. Case Reports: We reported 4 patients with PT, 3 girls and 1 boy. The middle age was 9 years old. The revealing symptomatology was ascites in all cases. Radiological exploration was not contributing. Laparoscopy was performed for all patients. The exploration revealed an agglutination of the intestinal loops with the presence of whitish micronodules scattered over the entire abdominal cavity. Peritoneal biopsies were done in all cases. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PT in all patients and antituberculosis treatment was introduced. There was a good clinical evolution with a follow-up of 30 months. Conclusion: PT is a public health problem due to its clinical and biological polymorphism. Laparoscopy with peritoneal biopsies remains the essential means for the diagnosis of this pathology in children.
