Review for 10.1186/s12876-019-0998-9 (2019)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Isolated Gastric Varices Secondary to Abdomina l Tuberculosis Mimicking Lymphoma: A 
Case Report  
 
Version: 0 Date: 09 Apr 2019  
 
Reviewer: Shinichi Morita  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
This report is a relatively rare disease of abdominal tuberculosis, in which the lesion infiltrated 
and occluded the splenic vein, resulting in rupture of gastric varices(GV) from left portal 
hypertension.  
The necessary information is lacking in both the presentation and the discussion of case, and I 
think a major revision is needed.  
1. It is obvious that the cause of the gastric varices is the TB lesion at the splenic hilar.  
However, when the splenic vein is  occluded, similar conditions can occur in cancer or malignant 
lymphoma. So, I think it is strange to think that intra -abdominal tuberculosis should be suspected 
if you find sporadic GV.  
2. Please mention the patient medical history and family history of p ulmonary tuberculosis.  
3. Please describe the result of Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture and PCR analysis.  
4. Please discuss why EUS -FNA could not diagnose but percutaneous needle biopsy could.  
5. What did you treat for GV?  In addition, it is expected  that GV remains because the splenic 
hilar tumor remains after TB treatment. It is necessary to describe the course of GV.  
6. There is not enough description for tuberculosis treatment. Is the treatment for abdominal 
tuberculosis the same as treatment for  pulmonary tuberculosis? Why did you treat with three 
drugs, not four?  How long has she been taking her medication? Although the lesion remains on 
CT image, what will you do with post treatment? Please describe the strategy of treatment for 
abdominal tube rculosis more detail.  
7. Please delete the scale because the tumor is hard to recognize in figure 1b and 2d.  
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
  
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Unable to assess  
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
Not relevant to this manuscript  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
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