What the study found
Tuberculous peritonitis (TBP), a rare but severe infection of the peritoneum, can clinically and radiologically mimic encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that this kind of overlap can delay diagnosis, and they say high clinical suspicion and advanced molecular diagnostics such as mNGS are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
What the researchers tested
This is a case report of a long-term peritoneal dialysis patient with suspected EPS whose diagnosis was later revised to TBP with secondary peritoneal inflammatory changes. The patient was managed with laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter removal, transition to hemodialysis, and a renal-adjusted anti-tuberculous regimen including levofloxacin and linezolid.
What worked and what didn't
After the management changes, the patient showed gradual clinical and biochemical improvement. The abstract does not describe other interventions, comparative treatments, or failures beyond the initial diagnostic confusion.
What to keep in mind
This is a single case report, so the available summary does not establish how often this happens or how well the approach works in other patients. The abstract also does not provide detailed diagnostic results, and it does not describe limitations beyond the complexity of the case.
Key points
- TBP can mimic EPS in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients.
- The case was revised from suspected EPS to TBP with secondary peritoneal inflammatory changes.
- Management included catheter removal, hemodialysis, and renal-adjusted anti-tuberculous therapy with levofloxacin and linezolid.
- The patient had gradual clinical and biochemical improvement.
- The authors say high suspicion and mNGS are important for accurate diagnosis.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Tuberculous peritonitis mimicked encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis
- Authors:
- Tianjiao Cui, Meng-Lin Huang
- Institutions:
- Sun Yat-sen University, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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