Splenic tuberculosis: a comprehensive review of literature

Abstract

Tuberculosis(TB) is one of the most common infections affecting the population in the developing countries. With the rising human immunodeficiency(HIV) infection its incidence is on a rise even in the developed countries. Pulmonary TB is the commonest form of infection, However, multiple extrapulmonary sites have also been reported. The spleen is thought to be a rare organ involved in this infection. Various presentations of the splenic TB have been reported in the literature. The definitive diagnosis of this is essentially formulated on the post-splenectomy specimen. A consensus statement based on the available case reports is lacking. The authors are providing an insight into this form of extrapulmonary TB after reviewing the available literature.