402 DISEASES OF THE G ASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT. 



Chronic peritonitis is characterized by thickening of the 

 peritoneum, and the formation of adhesions between opposed 

 inflamed serous surfaces, as in pleurisy. 



Tuberculosis, primarily affecting the peritoneum, is rare. 

 The most frequent sources of infection secondarily are tuber- 

 cular affections of the mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph- 

 atic glands, of the vertebrae, and of the pelvic organs in the 

 female ; miliary tubercles may occur in general miliary tuber- 

 culosis. 



