OBJECTIVETo improve the recognition and diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in children.

METHODThe data from 30 cases with abdominal TB hospitalized in Beijing Children's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical significance of various tests was discussed respectively.

RESULTTwenty of the 30 cases were misdiagnosed as having upper respiratory tract infection, gastroenteritis, indigestion, and only 6 cases were diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis while the diagnosis of abdominal TB was made in just 4 cases at initial consultation. Twenty-one cases (70%) experienced the symptoms of abdominal pain or distension, diarrhoea, or constipation. The positive abdominal signs existed in all children including doughy sensation (9 cases), tenderness (8 cases), mass (4 cases), and hepatosplenomegaly (3 cases). Extraabdominal TB was found in 24 children, the positive PPD and abnormal ultrasonic image were seen in 93% and 100% of the cases, respectively. The exploratory laparotomy and colonoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 3 and 2 cases, respectively. Twenty-four children received systematic treatment with good results.

CONCLUSIONThe abdominal TB in children which is easily misdiagnosed in it's early stage usually consisted of gastrointestinal symptoms and signs. The TB beyond the abdomen can be a clue for making correct diagnosis. PPD and ventral ultrasonic examination are important for ultimate clinical diagnosis while colonoscopy, and laparotomy can provide pathological evidence.