Epidemiological Features, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnostic Evaluation, and Management Protocol of Splenic Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION

The splenic tuberculous involvement is common than other intra-abdominal solid organs such as the liver, pancreas, and kidney. The aim of this article is to present and share a review of the English-language literature on splenic tuberculosis (TB) to gain a better understanding of etiopathogenesis, epidemiological features, and diagnostic methods and provide guidelines for its management and to present our experience of six cases.

METHODS

The systematic search of the literature was performed on PubMed and Medline from 1950 to 2019 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

RESULTS

Fifty-two manuscripts were included in this systematic review. All resulting titles, abstract, and full text, whenever available, were read and kept for reference.

CONCLUSION

Direct histopathological demonstration is the best diagnostic modality. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is the study of choice and polymerase chain reaction assay increases its sensitivity. The standard short course antitubercular therapy for 6 months is recommended for isolated splenic TB, and for widespread disease, 12-month therapy is recommended. Surgery is reserved for failure of medical therapy and complications such as abscess formation.