Does tuberculous peritonitis cause board-like abdomen?
Mar 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, tuberculous peritonitis does not cause board-like abdominal rigidity. Tuberculous peritonitis is a chronic diffuse peritoneal infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with main pathological changes including exudation, adhesion, and caseous necrosis. Additionally, complications such as intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, and suppurative peritonitis may also occur, but board-like abdominal rigidity is not among them.
Generally, tuberculous peritonitis does not cause board-like rigidity of the abdomen. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Board-like rigidity of the abdomen is a typical sign of acute peritonitis, commonly associated with acute conditions such as gastrointestinal perforation and organ rupture. It is characterized by abdominal tension and rigidity of the abdominal wall, feeling as hard as a board. In contrast, tuberculous peritonitis is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its main symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, complications such as intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, and suppurative peritonitis may occur, but board-like rigidity of the abdomen is not among them. In tuberculous peritonitis, because the peritoneum experiences mild irritation or chronic inflammation, board-like rigidity typically does not occur. Instead, a doughy or supple feeling of the abdominal wall may be present.
If abnormal abdominal signs such as board-like rigidity occur, prompt medical attention and professional treatment should be sought.
