Objective:

To present the case of a child with most likely diagnosed of abdominal tuberculosis, in order to have elements to suspect it and provide timely treatment.

Case presentation:

3-year-old male patient, resident of Puebla, with Crouzon syndrome, who had a complete vaccination schedule and a history of contact with a patient with tuberculosis. His condition had approximately three weeks of evolution, with predominantly nocturnal fever; a few days before admission, vomiting, diarrhea, asthenia, adynamia, as well as abdominal pain in the mesogastrium and right iliac fossa were added. Upon arrival at the hospital, an exploratory laparotomy was performed for suspected appendicitis. During the surgery, data compatible with tuberculosis were observed, which was confirmed by histopathological study of the appendix, omentum and peritoneum. After two months of treatment for tuberculosis, the patient was discharged from the hospital as he showed improvement.

Conclusion:

Abdominal tuberculosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with long-standing fever and abnormal abdominal manifestations.