Laparoscopy in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in chronic pelvic pain

Comparative study on complications and difficulties in laparoscopy in female genital tuberculosis cases versus non-tuberculosis cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is an important type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) associated with morbidity especially infertility in developing countries. Laparoscopy may be difficult and hazardous in FGTB. The aim of the study was to observe the difficulties and complications of laparoscopy in FGTB cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a prospective study over 12 years' period on 412 cases of diagnostic laparoscopy performed on FGTB cases with infertility. All patients underwent history taking and clinical examination and endometrial sampling for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) microscopy, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene Xpert (last 212 cases) and histopathological evidence of epithelioid granuloma. Another 412 cases of diagnostic laparoscopy in the absence of FGTB performed during same time were taken as controls from the pool of non-TB cases. Various difficulties and complications were noted in both groups and statistical analysis was done.

RESULTS

Mean age, parity, body mass index and duration of infertility were 26.8 versus 25.4 years, 0.32 versus 0.28, 23.15 versus 25.28 Kg/m 2 and 4.15 versus 5.12 years, respectively. Primary and secondary infertility was seen in 78.6% and 20.38% of cases in the study group and 74.75% and 25.24% in the control group, respectively. Endometrial biopsy showed AFB microscopy in 5.3%, culture in 6.3%, epithelioid granuloma in 15.77% and on peritoneal biopsy granuloma in 6.55%, positive PCR in 368 (89.32%) and positive gene Xpert in 38 out of 212 (17.92%, out of last 212 cases). Definite findings of FGTB were seen in 171 (41.50%) cases. Probable findings of FGTB were seen in 241 (58.49%) cases. Various complications were difficulty in the creation of pneumoperitoneum or insertion of trocar and cannula in 16.74% and 13.10% of cases as compared to 1.94% and 1.69% in the control group. Excessive bleeding was seen in 5.09% versus 0.97% cases, respectively. Various injuries observed were bowel injury in 1.69% versus 0.24% cases (small bowel in 1.21% vs. 0.24%, large bowel in 0.48% vs. 0.1%), while bladder injury was seen in 0.97% versus 0.24% cases, subacute intestinal obstruction was seen in 5.8% versus 0.72% cases respectively while flare up of TB was seen in 5.09% versus 0% in cases and controls, respectively. Wound infection was seen in 8.48% versus 1.25% cases, respectively.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

FGTB is associated with increased complications and difficulties as compared to laparoscopy in other cases.

JB Sharma's white cotton ball sign: A new laparoscopic sign in abdominopelvic tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Abdominopelvic tuberculosis (TB) is a variant of extrapulmonary TB causing significant morbidity, including infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Results of 87 cases of diagnostic laparoscopy in cases of abdominopelvic TB diagnosed on composite reference standard (CRS) for demonstration of new laparoscopic white cotton ball sign are presented.

RESULTS

Mean age, parity and duration of infertility were 27.2 years, 0.21 and 3.1 years, respectively. Oligomenorrhoea and hypomenorrhea were seen in 35 (40.22%) and 32 (36.78%) cases, while infertility was seen in all 87 (100%) cases while abdominal mass was seen in 27 (31.03%) cases and pelvic mass in 37 (42.58%) cases. Positive acid fast bacilli on microscopy and culture of endometrial biopsy was seen in 3.34% and 6.89% cases while epithelioid granuloma was seen in 12.64% cases on endometrial biopsy and in 13.79% cases on peritoneal biopsy. Positive polymerase chain reaction was seen in all cases while definitive abdominal pelvic TB was seen in 35 (40.1%) cases and probable findings in 42 (48.27%) cases. A new laparoscopic white cotton ball sign (resembling a large white cotton ball) was observed in 5 (5.74%) cases and biopsy from 3 showed it to be epithelioid granulomas positive.

CONCLUSION

Demonstration of a new white cotton ball sign on laparoscopy seems to be a useful finding in abdominal pelvic TB.

An evaluation of Composite Reference Standard (CRS) for diagnosis of Female Genital Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a common cause of infertility in developing countries. Its diagnosis is difficult due to its paucibacillary nature, with no single test having high sensitivity and specificity. This study is to share the experience of using Composite Reference Standard (CRS) for the diagnosis of FGTB.

METHODS

This is a prospective study conducted between September 2017 to June 2019, over 100 infertile females found to have FGTB on composite reference standard which consisted of acid-fast bacilli on microscopy or culture, histopathological evidence of epithelioid granuloma, positive gene Xpert on endometrial sample or definite or probable finding of FGTB on laparoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 100 infertile women (78% primary, 22% secondary) found to have FGTB on CRS were enrolled in this study. Mean age, body mass index, parity and duration of infertility were 28.2 years, 23.17 kg/m², 0.24 ± 0.12 and 2.41 years respectively. Various symptoms were scanty menses (16%), irregular cycle (7%), dysmenorrhea (11%), pelvic pain (11%). Various signs were vaginal discharge (65%), adnexal mass (6%), tubo-ovarian mass on ultrasound (15%), abnormal hysterosalpingography findings (57.14%), positive polymerase chain reaction test (65%) and abnormal hysteroscopy (82.2%). The positive findings on CRS were positive AFB on microscopy or culture (3%), positive gene Xpert (28%) (done in some cases), epithelioid granuloma on histopathology (13%), definite findings on laparoscopy like tubercles, caseous nodules and beaded tubes in (57.19%) patients while probable findings of FGTB like straw colored fluid in POD, extensive dense pelvic, peri-tubal, peri-ovarian adhesions; hydrosalpinx; tubo-ovarian mass; thick fibrosed tubes; mid tubal block; peri hepatic adhesions (Fitz Hugh Curtis Syndrome); hyperemia of tubes/blue uterus on chromotubation were seen in (48.8%) patients. All patients found to be positive on CRS were given 6 months of anti-tubercular therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the high reliability of use of composite reference standard for diagnosis of FGTB.

Insight into diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis

INTRODUCTION

Female genital tuberculosis (TB) is a common manifestation of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) with varied clinical presentations, i.e. infertility, pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities. Diagnosis of female genital TB is challenging predominantly due to paucibacillary nature of specimens and inconclusive results obtained by most of the routine laboratory tests.

AREAS COVERED

This review has briefly summarized the epidemiology, clinical features and transmission of female genital TB. Commonly used laboratory tests include bacteriological examination (smear/culture), tuberculin skin testing, interferon-γ release assays, imaging, laparoscopy/hysteroscopy and histopathological/cytological observations. Further, utility of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), like loop-mediated isothermal amplification, PCR, multiplex-PCR, nested PCR, real-time PCR and GeneXpert® could significantly improve the detection of female genital TB.

EXPERT OPINION

Currently, there is no single test available for the efficient diagnosis of female genital TB, rather a combination of tests is being employed, which yields moderate diagnostic accuracy. The latest modalities developed for diagnosing pulmonary TB and other clinical EPTB forms, i.e. aptamer-linked immobilized sorbent assay, immuno-PCR (I-PCR), analysis of circulating cell-free DNA by NAATs, and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis biomarkers within extracellular vesicles of bodily fluids by I-PCR/nanoparticle-based I-PCR, may also be exploited to further improve the diagnosis of female genital TB.

Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Female Genital Tuberculosis

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is an important cause of significant morbidity and infertility. Gold-standard diagnosis by demonstration of acid fast bacilli on microscopy or culture or detection of epithelioid granuloma on histopathology of endometrial or peritoneal biopsy is positive in only small percentage of cases due to its paucibacillary nature. Use of gene Xpert on endometrial or peritoneal biopsy has improved sensitivity of diagnosis. Composite reference standard (CRS) is a significant landmark in its diagnosis in which combination of factors like AFB on microscopy or culture, positive gene Xpert, epithelioid granuloma on endometrial or peritoneal biopsy, demonstration of definite or probable findings of FGTB on laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. There have been many advances and changes in management of FGTB recently. The program is now called National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), and categorization of TB has been stopped. Now, patients are divided into drug-sensitive FGTB for which rifampicin (R), isoniazid (H), pyrazinamide (Z) and ethambutol (E) are given orally daily for 2 months followed by three drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol (RHE) orally daily for next 4 months. Multi-drug-resistant FGTB is treated with shorter MDR TB regimen of 9-11 months or longer MDR TB regimen of 18-20 months with reserved drugs. In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer have good results for blocked tubes and receptive endometrium, while surrogacy or adoption is advised for severe grades of Asherman's syndrome.

Genital tb-diagnostic algorithm and treatment

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is a common cause of infertility in India but its diagnosis remains elusive due to paucibacillary nature of disease. Traditional methods of diagnosis include demonstration of acid fast bacilli on endometrial or peritoneal biopsy or epithelioid granuloma on the biopsy or positive gene Xpert on the biopsy, but they are positive in small percentage of cases only missing diagnosis in many cases. Positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) alone is not taken for diagnosis due to high false positivity. Diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy can detect many cases by direct demonstration of TB lesions. Composite reference standard is a useful method to diagnose FGTB. This review discusses various diagnostic modalities including endometrial or peritoneal biopsy to detect acid fast bacilli on microscopic or culture or epithelioid granuloma, role of PCR, role of radiological imaging (hysterosalpingography, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and PET-CT scan) and role of endoscopic techniques (laparoscopy and hysteroscopy) in diagnosis of FGTB including role of composite reference standard. The International and National studies highlight the role of composite reference standard and its components like demonstration of AFB on microscopy or culture of endometrial or peritoneal biopsy or epithelioid granuloma or gene Xpert or PCR or latest tests like loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP) test and other newer molecular methods like Xpert Ultra for diagnosis of FGTB. It also detects role of endoscopy in FGTB and role of diagnostic algorithm for diagnosis of FGTB. Treatment is with four primary drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide) for two months followed by three drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol) daily orally for 4 months for drug sensitive FGTB. Shorter Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) regimen is given for Rifampicin resistant (RR)/MDR confined to only FGTB while longer all oral regimen is given for RR/MDR with or without additional drug resistance, HIV seropositives with FGTB or involvement of other sites or pulmonary TB (PTB) along with FGTB. Composite reference standard which combines various diagnostic modalities is a useful strategy to diagnose FGTB.

Female genital tuberculosis in light of newer laboratory tests: A narrative review

Female genital tract tuberculosis (FGTB) is a chronic disease with varied presentation. The diagnosis of FGTB for early institution of treatment remains a clinical challenge. Its laboratory diagnosis is difficult because of paucibacillary nature of the condition and limitation of available diagnostic tests. In view of the intricate problems in diagnosis of FGTB, physicians tend to over treat with empirical anti-tuberculosis drugs. Apart from concerns of drug toxicity, this may be a contributing factor in the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant TB reported in India. The main goal for advances in TB diagnostics is to reduce delay in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, there should be reduced complexity, improving robustness, and improving accuracy of the laboratory test for diagnosis of Female genital tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review is written with the following objectives. 1) To get a comprehensive overview as well as recent advances in diagnostic test used in the detection of FGTB. 2) To understand the limitations as well as advantages of these laboratory diagnostic test. 3) To provide clinical guidance regarding the detection in susceptible women.

METHOD

The literature search was performed using electronic database of Pubmed, Medline, Embase and Google Scholar. Grey literature search was also done. Studies published in English were included. Following keywords were used for search - Tuberculosis, extra pulmonary tuberculosis, female genital tuberculosis, diagnosis of female genital tract tuberculosis. The personal knowledge and experience of authors in the field, helped in archiving the relevant articles.

RESULT

Studies suggest that though culture is an invaluable contributor in the diagnosis of FGTB, molecular tests like PCR, LAMP, Xpert MTB/RIF and line probe assays have shown potential and are now being explored to strengthen the diagnostic algorithm of FGTB.

CONCLUSION

The use of algorithm approach with combination of both rapid culture and newer molecular techniques will facilitate the accurate and timely diagnosis of FGTB.

Role of Laparoscopy in the Diagnosis of Genital TB in Infertile Females in the Era of Molecular Tests

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess diagnostic value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in endometrial aspirates (EAs) in comparison with conventional tests for diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis (TB) and to find agreement between EA PCR done for endometrial TB and laparoscopic findings of pelvic TB in women with unexplained infertility.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 732 infertile females screened and 385 enrolled to undergo procedure to obtain EAs.

INTERVENTIONS

EAs were tested by conventional tests (histopathology, acid-fast bacilli, Lowenstein-Jensen staining, liquid culture) and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Patients with positive conventional tests were started on antitubercular treatment (ATT). Patients with negative conventional tests underwent laparohysteroscopy irrespective of PCR results to assess changes of tubercular infection in the pelvis. Peritoneal washings were also sent for liquid culture and PCR for TB, and suspicious lesions were biopsied at laparohysteroscopy. Findings at laparoscopy upgraded the diagnosis in these women. EAPCR results were analyzed to find agreement with the findings at laparoscopy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Conventional tests were positive in 8 of 385 (2%) patients. PCR was positive in 58.1% (n = 224) of endometrial samples, with sensitivity of 62.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.49-91.48), specificity of 41.91% (95% CI, 36.88-47.07), positive predictive value of 2.23% (95% CI, 1.31-3.78), negative predictive value of 98.14% (95% CI, 95.53-99.24), and a diagnostic accuracy of 42.34% (95% CI, 37.35-47.45) with conventional tests. A total of 265 patients underwent laparoscopy, of whom 165 were PCR positive and 100 were PCR negative. Laparoscopic findings suggestive of TB were found in 39.3% of patients who were PCR positive and 9% of patients who were PCR negative. Kappa agreement was 0.25, suggesting fair agreement between PCR and laparoscopy.

CONCLUSION

PCR as a stand-alone diagnostic test for endometrial TB is not justified to confirm diagnosis and initiate ATT. The addition of laparohysteroscopy improves diagnostic yield for genital TB. Referring patients with a suspicion of female genital TB to tertiary care for 1-time laparoscopy is better than initiating ATT solely on the basis of PCR results.

[Epidemio-clinical features of genital tuberculosis among Tunisian women: a series of 47 cases]

L'objet est de relever les caractéristiques épidémio-cliniques, diagnostiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de la tuberculose génitale (TG) chez la femme en Tunisie. Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective, descriptive au service des maladies infectieuses de l'hôpital la Rabta de Tunis, sur une période de 15 ans et demi (janvier 2000-juin 2014). Nous avons inclus toutes les patientes hospitalisées pour une tuberculose génitale. 47 cas ont été colligés. L'âge moyen était de 42,2 ans. Dix-huit femmes étaient d'origine rurale. Un comptage tuberculeux a été retrouvé dans cinq cas. Pour tous les cas, le début était insidieux. Un ou plusieurs signes d'imprégnation tuberculeuse ont été rapportés dans 23 cas. L'intradermoréaction (IDR) à la tuberculine réalisée chez 35 femmes (74,8%), était positive dans 26 cas (74%). Trente-neuf patientes (83%) avaient eu une exploration radiologique par une échographie et / ou une tomodensitométrie (TDM) abdomino-pelvienne. Une cœlioscopie diagnostique a été réalisée dans 37 cas (75,5%). L'examen Anatomopathologique a permis de confirmer le diagnostic de TG dans 42 cas (89,3%) en retrouvant un granulome épithéloïde et giganto-cellulaire. Nous avons relevé 21 cas de TG isolée, alors que les 26 autres avaient une atteinte péritonéale associée. Toutes les patientes ont reçu une antibiothérapie spécifique associant l'Isoniazide, la Rifampicine, le Pyrazinamide et l'Ethamubutol pour une durée moyenne de 12 mois. Aucune patiente n'a reçu de corticothérapie et aucune chirurgie secondaire n'a été indiquée. L'évolution était favorable dans 39 cas, 8 patientes ont été perdues de vue. La TG est une pathologie rare qui ne représente que 0,5% de la tuberculose extra-pulmonaire, mais d'un grand polymorphisme clinique. La confirmation diagnostique est difficile et repose sur l'étude bactériologique et/ou histologique. Le diagnostic doit être évoqué devant toute symptomatologie abdomino-pelvienne trainante, devant une stérilité chez la femme, associé à un contexte épidémio-clinique évocateur.

Abdominopelvic Tuberculosis Secondary to a Nontuberculous Mycobacterium in an Immunocompetent Patient

Tuberculosis (TB) remained as one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide despite an overall decline in its incidence rate globally. Extrapulmonary TB is uncommon and only accounts for 10–20% of overall TB disease burden. Abdominopelvic TB is the sixth most common location of extrapulmonary TB. The symptoms and signs are often insidious and nonspecific. Diagnosing abdominopelvic TB can be very challenging at times and poses great difficulties to the clinician. Infection with nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) is even rarer especially in an immunocompetent patient. We report a case of NTM in abdominopelvic TB. A 37-year-old foreign worker, para 3, presented with a one-week history of suprapubic pain associated with fever. An assessment showed presence of a right adnexal mass. She was treated as tuboovarian abscess with intravenous antibiotics. Unfortunately, she did not respond. She underwent exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperatively, features of the mass were suggestive of a right mature cystic teratoma with presence of slough and cheesy materials all over the abdominal cavity as well as presence of ascites. Diagnosis of NTM was confirmed with PCR testing using the peritoneal fluid. This case was a diagnostic dilemma due to the nonspecific clinical presentation. Management of such rare infection was revisited.