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Peritoneal tuberculosis with elevated serum Ca-125 level mimicking advanced stage ovarian cancer: a case report

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Abstract

Background

Tuberculosis is still a common problem in immigrant population with peritoneal tuberculosis as the most common presentation of extrapulmonary disease.

Case

A 36-year-old woman presented with abdominal distention, night sweats and weight loss. Physical examination and radiologic studies revealed ascites, omental caking and bilateral enlarged ovaries with an elevated serum Ca-125 of 353 U/mL. Acid-fast stain and culture were negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy and biopsy revealed multiple granulomas with epithelioid cells and caseification necrosis confirming tuberculosis. Treatment with anti-tuberculin drugs resulted in resolution of symptoms with a reduction in Ca-125 to normal.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic biopsy with frozen section evaluation would spare patients with peritoneal tuberculosis from unnecessary extensive surgery. Serum Ca-125 level may be useful in monitoring treatment response.

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Conflict of interest statement

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, Bellevue Hospital, 462 E. 1st Av. 9S, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Orkun Tan & Tarah Pua

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, 06610, USA

    Edward Luchansky & Stephen Rosenman

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA

    Masoud Azodi

Authors
  1. Orkun Tan
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  2. Edward Luchansky
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  3. Stephen Rosenman
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  4. Tarah Pua
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  5. Masoud Azodi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Orkun Tan.

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Tan, O., Luchansky, E., Rosenman, S. et al. Peritoneal tuberculosis with elevated serum Ca-125 level mimicking advanced stage ovarian cancer: a case report. Arch Gynecol Obstet 280, 333–335 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-0946-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-009-0946-y

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