periodic peritonitis
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fa·mil·i·al par·ox·ys·mal pol·y·ser·o·si·tis
[MIM*249100]peritonitis
(per?it-on-it'is) [ peritoneum + -itis]Etiology
Peritonitis is caused by infection of the abdominal cavity without obvious organ rupture (primary peritonitis), by perforation (rupture) of one of the internal organs (secondary peritonitis), or by instillation of a chemical irritant into the abdominal cavity (chemical peritonitis).
Primary peritonitis occurs in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, in some patients with tuberculosis (esp. those with AIDS), and in patients who use the peritoneum for dialysis. Cirrhotic patients develop peritonitis from infection of the peritoneal contents by microorganisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, enterococci, or Escherichia coli. Patients who use the peritoneum for dialysis (chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients) sometimes contaminate their dialysate with hand-borne microbes such as staphylococci or streptococci. Dialysis patients may also develop peritonitis after the infusion of irritating substances (e.g., antibiotics like vancomycin) into the peritoneal cavity during treatment for these infections.
Common causes of secondary peritonitis are ruptured appendix, perforated ulcer, abdominal trauma, and Crohn's disease. The gases, acids, fecal material, and bacteria in the ruptured organs spill into and inflame the peritoneum.
Symptoms
Primary peritonitis is marked by moderate to mild abdominal pain, fever, change in bowel habits, and malaise. Dialysis patients may notice clouding of their discharged dialysate. Fever, weight loss, inanition, and other systemic symptoms are common in tuberculous peritonitis.
Secondary peritonitis is marked by intense, constant abdominal pain that worsens on body movement. It is often associated with nausea, loss of appetite, and fever or hypothermia. On examination the abdomen is typically distended and quiet, and the patient holds very still in order to limit discomfort.
Diagnosis
In patients with organ rupture, a plain x-ray examination of the abdomen may reveal air trapped beneath the diaphragm. Ultrasonography or abdominal computed tomography is used to visualize intraperitoneal fluid, abscesses, and diseased organs. Paracentesis or peritoneal lavage are also helpful in the diagnosis of some cases.
Treatment
Primary peritonitis may respond to the administration of antibiotics or antitubercular drugs, but the prognosis is guarded. Secondary peritonitis is treated with surgical drainage, repair or removal of the ruptured viscus, fluid resuscitation, and antibiotics. The prognosis depends on the patient's underlying condition, the rapidity of the diagnosis and of subsequent medical intervention, and the skill of the surgeon.
acute diffuse peritonitis
Diffuse peritonitis.adhesive peritonitis
aseptic peritonitis
benign paroxysmal peritonitis
bile peritonitis
chemical peritonitis
chronic peritonitis
circumscribed peritonitis
Localized peritonitis.peritonitis deformans
diaphragmatic peritonitis
diffuse peritonitis
fibrocaseous peritonitis
gas peritonitis
generalized peritonitis
Diffuse peritonitis.localized peritonitis
meconium peritonitis
pelvic peritonitis
periodic peritonitis
Familial Mediterranean fever.primary peritonitis
puerperal peritonitis
secondary peritonitis
septic peritonitis
serous peritonitis
silent peritonitis
talc peritonitis
traumatic peritonitis
tuberculous peritonitis
Patient discussion about periodic peritonitis
Q. Can Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) cause a heart enlargement? A friend of mine is suffering from FMF. its usually doesn't bother him that much and when it dose the symptoms are stomach ache and fever. he has no heart symptoms and takes no medications. his physician told him that because of the FMF he might suffer from a heart enlargement, and that he should take some oral medications daily to prevent it. how can it be?
although FMF on its own can't cause heart enlargement, FMF can cause amyloidosis because of the recurrent inflammation. this may lead to enlargement of the heart which is a severe disease.
the good side is that taking medication can decrease the chance of the cardiac enlargement.