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Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026)

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September 3, 2026
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September 3, 2026

Copyright (c) 2026 Majd Abdulrhman Almutiri, Eman Mohammad S. Al Dawood, Ashwag Saleem Almuzaini, Thekra Bandar Khalid Albahuoth, Hussam Hussain Abdullah Ashawi, Omar Muteb S. Alhammadi, Musaad Eid Saeed Aldosari, Abdullah Yahya H. Oagde, Awatef Rabah Almamoni

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Abdominal Tuberculosis: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Patient Care-An Updated Review

https://doi.org/10.64483/202631766
Majd Abdulrhman Almutiri
Security Forces Hospital, Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia
Eman Mohammad S. Al Dawood
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University., Saudi Arabia
Ashwag Saleem Almuzaini
Al-Haram Hospital, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Thekra Bandar Khalid Albahuoth
King Salman Hospital, Riyadh,Ministry of Health , Saudi Arabia
Hussam Hussain Abdullah Ashawi
Public Health, Jazan Health Branch,Ministry of Health , Saudi Arabia
Omar Muteb S. Alhammadi
Azm Center, Riyadh,Ministry of Health , Saudi Arabia
Musaad Eid Saeed Aldosari
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Yahya H. Oagde
King Fahd Central Hospital, Jazan,Ministry of Health , Saudi Arabia
Awatef Rabah Almamoni
Al Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia

Corresponding Author(s) : Majd Abdulrhman Almutiri

Elsidm391@gmail.com

Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026)

Abstract

Background: Abdominal tuberculosis is an important extrapulmonary manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and remains a diagnostic challenge because of its variable, nonspecific, and often indolent presentation. Its clinical and pathological similarities with other gastrointestinal diseases may result in delayed or inappropriate diagnosis.


Aim: To provide a comprehensive overview of the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, histopathology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, and contemporary management of abdominal tuberculosis.


Methods: This narrative review synthesized established clinical and diagnostic information concerning abdominal tuberculosis, focusing on disease mechanisms, laboratory and microbiological investigations, imaging modalities, endoscopic and laparoscopic assessment, therapeutic approaches, and differentiation from major clinical mimics, particularly Crohn's disease.


Results: Abdominal tuberculosis may involve the intestine, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and solid abdominal organs. Common manifestations include abdominal pain, fever, anorexia, weight loss, altered bowel habits, ascites, and intestinal obstruction. Laboratory findings are generally nonspecific. CT is central to evaluating disease distribution, while histopathology, culture, and molecular testing contribute to diagnostic confirmation. The paucibacillary nature of disease limits the sensitivity of conventional microbiological tests. Standard treatment generally consists of a six-month multidrug anti-tuberculosis regimen, with endoscopic or surgical intervention reserved for selected complications.


Conclusion: Early recognition requires a high index of suspicion and integration of clinical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological findings.

Keywords

Abdominal tuberculosis; intestinal tuberculosis; peritoneal tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; diagnosis; computed tomography; Crohn's disease; anti-tuberculosis therapy.
Almutiri, M. A., Eman Mohammad S. Al Dawood, Ashwag Saleem Almuzaini, Thekra Bandar Khalid Albahuoth, Hussam Hussain Abdullah Ashawi, Omar Muteb S. Alhammadi, … Awatef Rabah Almamoni. (2026). Abdominal Tuberculosis: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Patient Care-An Updated Review. Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 3(1), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.64483/202631766
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