Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile and outcome of patients diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of patients diagnosed with abdominal TB between January 2010 and December 2022 in various healthcare facilities across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 111 patients diagnosed with abdominal TB were included in the study. The majority of patients were adults (age range: 18-65 years) with a mean age of 36 years. Females constituted 40% of the study population. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (72%), weight loss (81%), and fever (58%). On evaluation, ascites (36%), abdominal mass (45%), and lymphadenopathy (63%) were the most frequent clinical findings. Among the diagnostic modalities used, abdominal ultrasound (48.65%) and computed tomography (36.04%) were the most commonly employed imaging techniques. Confirmatory diagnosis was achieved through positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining (24.32%), culture (20.72%), or histopathological examination (32.43%). Surgical intervention was required in (22.52%) of the patients. Conclusion: Abdominal TB remains an important healthcare issue in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, along with surgical intervention when indicated, are crucial for favorable outcomes. Public health interventions should focus on raising awareness, early detection, and proper management of abdominal TB to improve patient outcomes in this region.

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