Concurrent small bowel lymphoma and mycobacterial infection: use of adenosine deaminase activity and polymerase chain reaction to facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment

We describe the presentation and investigation of a rare case of small bowel lymphoma with concurrent abdominal tuberculosis, two diseases with similar findings at presentation, but very different treatments. We emphasize the importance of considering primary peritonitis in this context, and review current methods of rapid diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis, which in this instance led to timely appropriate treatment. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 18:305-307 (c) 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.