Tubercular colitis masquerading as ischemic colitis: An unusual presentation

Int J Mycobacteriol. 2017 Oct-Dec;6(4):404-406. doi: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_132_17.

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a common clinical problem which can involve virtually any organ and mimic a multitude of clinical conditions. Colonic tuberculosis is a type of intestinal tuberculosis which involves the colon and mimics inflammatory bowel disease. Occasionally, it is also confused with colonic malignancy. We report the case of a young female who presented with abdominal pain, bleeding per rectum. Abdominal X-ray showed evidence of thumb-printing. A possibility of ischemic colitis was entertained. However, further investigation unraveled the presence of tubercular colitis. The patient improved with anti-tubercular therapy. Colonic tuberculosis can mimic a number of clinical entities and should be considered in differential diagnosis of colonic lesions in endemic areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Colitis, Ischemic / diagnosis*
  • Colitis, Ischemic / diagnostic imaging
  • Colon / diagnostic imaging
  • Colon / microbiology
  • Colon / pathology*
  • Colonoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / microbiology

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents