Tuberculous ileal perforation in a HIV positive patient: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis is prevalent worldwide. Even in developed countries there is a resurgence of tuberculosis mainly due to increasing HIV infection. Tuberculous ileal perforation is uncommon. It is, however, a potentially fatal complication of intestinal tuberculosis especially in HIV/AIDS patient. AIM To highlight tuberculous ileal perforation as an underestimated complication of intestinal tuberculosis in an HIV patient presenting with acute abdomen. METHOD A 42-year-old HIV positive long distance truck driver with tuberculous ileal perforation is presented and related literatures reviewed. CONCLUSION Intestinal perforation due to abdominal tuberculosis is an aetiological factor in acute HIV abdomen. High index of suspicion remains the key to diagnosis.