Tuberculous ileal perforation in a HIV positive patient: a case report and review of literature.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is prevalent worldwide. Even in developed countries there is a resurgence of tuberculosis mainly due to increasing HIV infection. Tuberculous ileal perforation is uncommon. It is, however, a potentially fatal complication of intestinal tuberculosis especially in HIV/AIDS patient. AIM: To highlight tuberculous ileal perforation as an underestimated complication of intestinal tuberculosis in an HIV patient presenting with acute abdomen. METHOD: A 42-year-old HIV positive long distance truck driver with tuberculous ileal perforation is presented and related literatures reviewed. CONCLUSION: Intestinal perforation due to abdominal tuberculosis is an aetiological factor in acute HIV abdomen. High index of suspicion remains the key to diagnosis.