Retroperitoneal tuberculosis
ICD-10 A18.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of retroperitoneal tuberculosis.
Retroperitoneal tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that occurs in the retroperitoneal space, which is the area behind the peritoneum that contains the kidneys, ureters, adrenal glands, aorta, inferior vena cava, and other structures. This condition typically arises from hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a primary pulmonary infection or from direct extension from adjacent infected structures. Patients may present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Diagnosis often involves imaging studies like CT scans or MRI, which can reveal lymphadenopathy or abscess formation in the retroperitoneal area. Sputum tests, chest X-rays, and tuberculin skin tests may also be utilized to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Treatment usually involves a prolonged course of antitubercular medications, including isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, for at least six months. Monitoring for drug resistance is critical, as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can complicate treatment. Public health implications are significant, as retroperitoneal tuberculosis can indicate a more widespread infection, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures to prevent transmission.
Detailed patient history, diagnostic imaging reports, treatment plans, and follow-up notes.
Patients presenting with abdominal pain and a history of tuberculosis.
Awareness of drug resistance patterns and public health implications.
Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings in the retroperitoneal space.
CT or MRI scans showing lymphadenopathy or abscesses.
Need for correlation with clinical findings and laboratory results.
Used to evaluate for pulmonary involvement in a patient with suspected retroperitoneal tuberculosis.
Document the indication for the chest X-ray and any findings.
Radiologists should correlate findings with clinical history.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. However, symptoms can be nonspecific, making diagnosis challenging.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as CT or MRI, along with microbiological tests like sputum cultures and tuberculin skin tests.
Treatment usually consists of a combination of antitubercular medications for at least six months, with monitoring for drug resistance.
Public health measures include contact tracing, isolation of infectious patients, and reporting to health authorities.
