Pediatric abdominal tuberculosis presenting as an acute surgical abdomen in a 16-year-old male patient from Colombia: a case report

Tuberculosis is known as “the great mimicker.” Extrapulmonary tuberculosis accounts for approximately 20% of all cases, with about 10% of these involving the intestines. The ileocecal region is the most common site due to its high density of lymphoid tissue, slowed intestinal transit, and low bile acid concentration. We report the case of a 16-year-old male student who presented with symptoms consistent with an acute abdomen and required emergency laparotomy; subsequent histological examination confirmed tuberculosis. Diagnosis is challenging because of nonspecific symptoms that mimic other common conditions such as appendicitis. Imaging studies lack specificity, while positive Ziehl-Neelsen staining and the presence of Langerhans-type giant cell granulomas on histologic analysis are among the most sensitive and rapid diagnostic indicators. Intestinal tuberculosis carries a poor prognosis, particularly when associated with complications such as obstruction, perforation, or intestinal stenosis. Medical management follows the same antibiotic regimen used for pulmonary tuberculosis, whereas surgical intervention is reserved for acute abdominal complications.