Immunohistochemistry and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction: importance in the diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in a Peruvian population.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis is challenging even nowadays. This study aims to report the positivity rates of new diagnostic methods such as immunohistochemistry and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction in patients with intestinal tuberculosis, as well as describe the pathological and endoscopic features of intestinal tuberculosis in our population. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in patients diagnosed with intestinal tuberculosis, between 2010 to 2023 from the Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrion and a Private Pathology Center, both located in Peru. Clinical data was obtained, histologic features were independently re-evaluated by three pathologists; and immunohistochemistry and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction evaluation were performed. The 33 patients with intestinal tuberculosis who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry was positive in 90.9% of cases, while real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction was positive in 38.7%. The ileocecal region was the most affected area (33.3%), and the most frequent endoscopic appearance was an ulcer (63.6%). Most of the granulomas were composed solely of epithelioid histiocytes (75.8%). Crypt architectural disarray was the second most frequent histologic finding (78.8%) after granulomas, but most of them were mild. CONCLUSION: Since immunohistochemistry does not require an intact cell wall, it demonstrates higher sensitivity compared to Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Therefore, it could be helpful for the diagnosis of paucibacillary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis pediátrica intestinal. Un caballo de Troya / Pediatric Intestinal Tuberculosis. A Trojan Horse

Resumen La tuberculosis (TB) intestinal y peritoneal es una enfermedad regional, crónica, específica, generalmente secundaria a TB pulmonar avanzada. Mayormente adopta la forma localizada en el tejido linfoide ileal. El diagnóstico puede sospecharse por los síntomas, los antecedentes del paciente y las pruebas de imagen, entre ellas radiografía de tórax, tomografía axial computarizada y ecografía. La confirmación precisa realizar una colonoscopia y toma de biopsia para demostración de granulomas caseificantes y del bacilo ácido-alcohol resistente. Presentamos un caso de un niño que consulto por absceso perianal y fístula, tratado como enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria y cuya radiografía de tórax motivó la sospecha y estudio de TB.

Abstract Intestinal and peritoneal tuberculosis (TB) is a regional, chronic, specific disease, generally secondary to advanced pulmonary TB. It is mostly localized at the ileal lymphoid tissue. The diagnosis may be suspected due to the symptoms, the patient's history, and imaging tests, such as chest x-ray, computerized axial tomography and echography. For confirmation, it is necessary to perform a colonoscopy and a biopsy sample to show caseating granulomas and the acid-alcohol resistant bacillus. We present the case of a child who consulted for a perianal abscess and fistula that were treated as inflammatory bowel disease, whose chest x-ray encouraged the suspicion and study of TB.

Tuberculosis ileocecal: a propósito de un caso / Ileocecal tuberculosis: A case report

Resumen La tuberculosis es una enfermedad de importancia en la salud pública a nivel mundial, con una alta incidencia a nivel del territorio colombiano. Principalmente, afecta el parénquima pulmonar; sin embargo, en un porcentaje elevado de casos se diagnostica en su forma extrapulmonar y el tracto gastrointestinal es uno de los sitios más frecuentes. Así mismo, la región ileocecal y el íleon terminal son las regiones con más predilección por la bacteria Mycobaterium tuberculosis. Las manifestaciones en esta rara presentación de la enfermedad están dadas por dolor abdominal y sensación de masa principalmente, lesiones ulcerosas en la mucosa intestinal y hallazgos histológicos correspondientes a granulomas caseificantes de gran tamaño y de morfología confluente, que se diferencian de otras entidades como la enfermedad de Crohn. La búsqueda de la enfermedad dentro del tracto gastrointestinal se realiza con ayuda de métodos invasivos como la colonoscopia y de ayudas diagnósticas de laboratorio como cultivos, tinciones o reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Dada la complejidad en el diagnóstico de esta forma de tuberculosis, el conocimiento y la manera en que se aborda un paciente con un cuadro sugestivo de esta enfermedad son factores importantes para establecer el manejo terapéutico oportuno. Se comparte un caso inusual de tuberculosis ileocecal como manifestación de síndrome febril prolongado con desenlace fatal.

Abstract Tuberculosis is a disease of public health importance worldwide with a high incidence in Colombia. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma. However, in a large number of cases, it is diagnosed in its extrapulmonary form, with the gastrointestinal tract being one of the most frequent sites. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a strong predilection for the ileocecal region and the terminal ileum. Manifestations of this rare form of the disease are abdominal pain and mass sensation mainly, as well as ulcerative lesions in the intestinal mucosa and histological findings corresponding to large caseating granulomas of confluent morphology, which distinguish it from other entities such as Crohn's disease. Invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy, and diagnostic laboratory aids, such as cultures, stains, and PCR, are used to find the disease in the gastrointestinal tract. Given the difficulty of diagnosing this type of tuberculosis, knowledge and how a patient with symptoms suggestive of the disease is approached are critical factors for establishing timely treatment. The following is an unusual case of ileocecal TB as a manifestation of prolonged febrile illness with a fatal outcome.

Treatment of intestinal tuberculosis with small bowel perforation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis poses a dilemma to physicians due to nonspecific symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and a change in bowel habit. In particular, the distinction between inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal tuberculosis remains challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old man from Colombia presented with fever, night sweats, and progressive lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a thickening of the bowel wall with a mesenterial lymphadenopathy, ascites ,and a pleural tumor mass. Histology of intestinal and pleural biopsy specimens showed a granulomatous inflammation. Although microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) were negative, empirical MTB treatment was initiated on suspicion. Due to a massive post-stenotic atrophied intestinal bowel, MTB medications were administered parenterally in the initial phase of treatment to guarantee adequate systemic resorption. The complicated and critical further course included an intra-abdominal abscess and bowel perforation requiring a split stoma, before the patient could be discharged in good condition after 3 months of in-hospital care. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the clinical complexity and diagnostic challenges of intestinal MTB infection. A multidisciplinary team of physicians should be sensitized to a timely diagnosis of this disease, which often mimics inflammation similar to inflammatory bowel disease, other infections, or malignancies. In our case, radiological findings, histological results, and migratory background underpinned the suspected diagnosis and allowed early initiation of tuberculostatic treatment.

Tuberculosis extrapulmonar como apendicitis aguda tuberculosa / Extrapulmonary tuberculosis as acute tuberculous apendicitis

Resumen Introducción: la apendicitis es la emergencia quirúrgica abdominal más frecuente, pero la tuberculosis como agente etiológico hace especial este caso, debido a su muy baja frecuencia entre 0.1 y 0.6%, su hallazgo incidental nos orienta a buscar otros órganos comprometidos y a iniciar tratamiento específico, este es el primer reporte de caso en nuestra región. Reporte de caso: mujer de 33 años, con antecedentes de insuficiencia suprarrenal primaria, en tratamiento con fludrocortisona, quien consultó por presentar dolor en cuadrante inferior derecho abdominal, picos febriles y episodios eméticos, lo anterior asociado a biometría hemática con leucocitosis más desviación a la izquierda, uroanálisis patológico, se sospecha infección del tracto urinario, iniciando antibioticoterapia sin obtener mejoría, por lo que se evalúa por cirugía general que considera abdomen agudo de origen en apendicitis, realizando abordaje quirúrgico con posterior estudio histopatológico que sugiere inflamación granulomatosa caseificante compatible con tuberculosis, con la consecuente demostración de BAAR mediante tinción de Ziehl Neelsen. Conclusión: la tuberculosis extrapulmonar tiene presentaciones clínicas diversas, por lo tanto, debemos mantener sospecha ante manifestaciones atípicas de la patología, la apendicitis aguda tuberculosa, generalmente se da en el contexto de un paciente inmunosuprimido y su diagnóstico etiológico es realizado en el posoperatorio, por lo tanto, es indispensable vigilar y revisar el resultado de la biopsia y las tinciones que nos permitan realizar tratamientos específicos.

Abstract Introduction: appendicitis is the most frequent abdominal surgical emergency, but tuberculosis as the etiological agent makes this case special, due to its very low frequency of 0.1 to 0.6%. Its incidental finding guided us to seek other involved organs and begin specific treatment. This is the first case report in our region. Case report: a 33-year-old woman with a history of primary adrenal insufficiency being treated with fludrocortisone consulted due to right lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever and emesis, associated with leukocytosis with a left shift and a pathological urinalysis. A urinary tract infection was suspected, and antibiotic therapy was begun with no improvement. She was therefore seen by general surgery, who suspected acute abdomen arising from appendicitis. She underwent surgery with a subsequent histopathological study which suggested caseifying granulomatous inflammation compatible with tuberculosis, with ensuing proof of acid-fast bacilli using Ziehl Neelsen staining. Conclusion: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis has diverse clinical presentations. Therefore, when faced with atypical manifestations of this disease we should maintain a level of suspicion. Acute tuberculous appendicitis generally presents in the context of an immunosuppressed patient, and its etiological diagnosis is carried out after surgery. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and review the biopsy result and stains, which will allow specific treatments to be carried out.

Tuberculosis extrapulmonar como apendicitis aguda tuberculosa / Extrapulmonary tuberculosis as acute tuberculous apendicitis

Resumen Introducción: la apendicitis es la emergencia quirúrgica abdominal más frecuente, pero la tuberculosis como agente etiológico hace especial este caso, debido a su muy baja frecuencia entre 0.1 y 0.6%, su hallazgo incidental nos orienta a buscar otros órganos comprometidos y a iniciar tratamiento específico, este es el primer reporte de caso en nuestra región. Reporte de caso: mujer de 33 años, con antecedentes de insuficiencia suprarrenal primaria, en tratamiento con fludrocortisona, quien consultó por presentar dolor en cuadrante inferior derecho abdominal, picos febriles y episodios eméticos, lo anterior asociado a biometría hemática con leucocitosis más desviación a la izquierda, uroanálisis patológico, se sospecha infección del tracto urinario, iniciando antibioticoterapia sin obtener mejoría, por lo que se evalúa por cirugía general que considera abdomen agudo de origen en apendicitis, realizando abordaje quirúrgico con posterior estudio histopatológico que sugiere inflamación granulomatosa caseificante compatible con tuberculosis, con la consecuente demostración de BAAR mediante tinción de Ziehl Neelsen. Conclusión: la tuberculosis extrapulmonar tiene presentaciones clínicas diversas, por lo tanto, debemos mantener sospecha ante manifestaciones atípicas de la patología, la apendicitis aguda tuberculosa, generalmente se da en el contexto de un paciente inmunosuprimido y su diagnóstico etiológico es realizado en el posoperatorio, por lo tanto, es indispensable vigilar y revisar el resultado de la biopsia y las tinciones que nos permitan realizar tratamientos específicos.

Abstract Introduction: appendicitis is the most frequent abdominal surgical emergency, but tuberculosis as the etiological agent makes this case special, due to its very low frequency of 0.1 to 0.6%. Its incidental finding guided us to seek other involved organs and begin specific treatment. This is the first case report in our region. Case report: a 33-year-old woman with a history of primary adrenal insufficiency being treated with fludrocortisone consulted due to right lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever and emesis, associated with leukocytosis with a left shift and a pathological urinalysis. A urinary tract infection was suspected, and antibiotic therapy was begun with no improvement. She was therefore seen by general surgery, who suspected acute abdomen arising from appendicitis. She underwent surgery with a subsequent histopathological study which suggested caseifying granulomatous inflammation compatible with tuberculosis, with ensuing proof of acid-fast bacilli using Ziehl Neelsen staining. Conclusion: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis has diverse clinical presentations. Therefore, when faced with atypical manifestations of this disease we should maintain a level of suspicion. Acute tuberculous appendicitis generally presents in the context of an immunosuppressed patient, and its etiological diagnosis is carried out after surgery. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and review the biopsy result and stains, which will allow specific treatments to be carried out.

Intestinal perforation due to intestinal and colonic tuberculosis in a patient with HIV, a nearly lethal complication due to lack of adequate treatment and control in a limited resource country, a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coinfection involving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are particularly problematic in resource-limited countries. When both pathogens are present, they accelerate the deterioration of immunological functions in the patient leading to premature death if left untreated. A close follow-up is essential in these high-risk subjects, as inadequate healthcare usually leads to further complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 26-year-old woman with a past medical history of HIV infection. Nonetheless, she lacked adequate treatment and did not have sufficient medical supervision to control her disease. She presented to the emergency department with an acute abdomen and multiple bowel perforations that demanded intestinal resection. TB/HIV coinfection was detected and a final diagnosis of bowel perforation due to TB was established. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is essential when approaching patients with HIV and acute abdominal pain. A thorough clinical history examination including past medical history, HIV/AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) progression status, and a careful clinical exam are paramount to an early diagnosis and timely medical treatment.

Tuberculosis intestinal de difícil decisión diagnóstica y terapéutica / Intestinal tuberculosis of difficult diagnostic decision and therapeutic

En este reporte se describe un caso de tuberculosis intestinal (TBCI) de difícil decisión diagnóstica y terapéutica, en el cual se indicó un protocolo de tratamiento anti TBC durante 6 meses con resolución clínica, paraclínica y endoscópica(AU)

In this report we describe a case of intestinal Tuberculosis of difficult diagnostic and therapeutic decision which received anti-TBC treatment for 6 months with clinical, paraclinical and endoscopic resolution(AU)

Tuberculosis intestinal perforada y embarazo / Perforated intestinal tuberculosis and pregnancy

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: el abdomen representa el sexto lugar más frecuente de manifestación extrapulmonar de la tuberculosis; esta enfermedad puede afectar cualquier parte del tubo gastrointestinal, peritoneo y sistema hepatobiliar. OBJETIVO: reportar una variante adicional de tuberculosis intestinal, enfermedad reconocida como "la gran simuladora", relacionada con el embarazo. CASO CLÍNICO: paciente primigesta de 17 años de edad, sin antecedentes de importancia para el padecimiento actual, asintomática, sin afectación inmunológica, con tuberculosis intestinal y múltiples perforaciones y hallazgos transcesárea. El diagnóstico se estableció luego de efectuar estudios microbiológicos e histopatológicos. La evolución de la madre y el recién nacido fue satisfactoria y ambos continuaron con tratamiento antifímico. CONCLUSIÓN: pese a los grandes avances en medicina, la tuberculosis sigue siendo un grave problema de salud pública con una alta tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad. El hallazgo transcesárea, la fuerte sospecha de tuberculosis y el tratamiento oportuno limitaron la morbilidad y mortalidad de nuestra paciente.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The abdominal cavity its considerate the 6th most frequent extrapulmonary presentation of tuberculosis. This disease can affect other anatomy sites of gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum and hepatobiliary system. OBJECTIVE: To report an infrequent variant of intestinal tuberculosis, an illness known as the "great simulator", related to pregnancy. CLINICAL CASE: a 17-year-old primigravidum patient without previous history, asymptomatic, non-immunological involvement, with intestinal tuberculosis and multiple perforations, whose were identified during cesarean section. The diagnosis was established after of microbiological and histopathological studies. The evolution of the mother and the newborn were satisfactory and continued with antiphimic treatment. CONCLUSION: Despite great advances in medicine, tuberculosis remains a serious public health problem with a high rate of morbimorbidity. The transcesarean finding, the strong suspicion of tuberculosis and early treatment limited the morbimorbidity of our patient.

Absceso intrabdominal secundario a tuberculosis intestinal en el Hospital General Dolisie de la República del Congo / Intra-abdominal abscess secondary to intestinal tuberculosis in general hospital Dolisie, Republic of Congo

La incidencia de TB intestinal es desconocida, ya que puede ser asintomática y por su naturaleza a menudo resulta en diagnósticos erróneos, por lo que se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha en poblaciones de alto riesgo. Los abscesos intrabdominales en el curso de esta es una complicación poco frecuente, con una incidencia entre 2 y 30 por ciento. Presentamos un paciente masculino de 52 años de edad, con masa abdominal en mesogástrio, asociada a dolor abdominal y pérdida de peso. Se comienza su estudio con Rx. de tórax y ecografía abdominal, el cual reporta masa de 90 x 47 mm en el peritoneo, es intervenido quirúrgicamente y drenado por absceso intrabdominal. Se diagnostica TB intestinal, su evolución fue satisfactoria después de iniciado el tratamiento antituberculoso. Ante un paciente con síntomas de abdomen agudo, es importante realizar un diagnóstico temprano de TB intestinal. Esto evitaría una intervención innecesaria, porque el diagnóstico de la TB intestinal es médico. Si se realiza la intervención, puede confirmarse el diagnóstico mediante las lesiones encontradas; acción que impediría una resección intestinal innecesaria pues el tratamiento antituberculoso resolvería la TB. Generalmente, el diagnóstico se realiza durante una cirugía o por procedimientos invasivos con otros propósitos, por ser esta de difícil diagnóstico clínico y que la irregularidad del tratamiento antituberculoso es un importante factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones en la TB intestinal diagnosticada. Esta es altamente efectivo en la resolución de complicaciones de moderada gravedad como la obstrucción intestinal y los abscesos intrabdominales(AU)

The incidence of intestinal tuberculosis is unknown since it may be symptom-free and lead to frequent misdiagnoses, so one should highly suspect of intestinal tuberculosis in high risk populations. The intra-abdominal abscesses are rare complications, with an incidence rate of 2 to 30 percent. Here is the case of a 52 years-old male patient who had an abdominal in her mesogastrium associated to abdominal pain and weight loss. The first testing was thorax X-ray and abdominal ultrasound, which revealed the presence of a 90x74mm mass in the peritoneum. As a result, he was operated on including intrabdominal abscess drainage. The final diagnosis was intestinal tuberculosis, being the recovery satisfactory after the anti-tuberculosis treatment. It is fundamental to make emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in patients with acute abdomen symptoms in risk groups since this may avoid surgical treatment. The diagnosis based on macroscopic findings in case of surgical treatment may also avoid unnecessary intestinal resections. Generally speaking, the diagnosis is made during a surgery or by invasive procedures with other purposes since the clinical diagnosis is difficult; irregular anti-tuberculosis treatment is a significant risk factor for the development of complications in diagnosed intestinal tuberculosis. It is highly effective in the resolution of moderate-severity complications such as intestinal obstruction and intra-abdominal abscesse(AU)

Tuberculosis ileocecal: revisión de la literatura a partir de un caso clínico / Ileocecal tuberculosis: literature review from a case report

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge. The true incidence of intestinal TB is unknown, as it can be asymptomatic, and by its nature, often diverts its diagnosis to neoplastic diseases or inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, we must have a high index of suspicion, not only in high risk populations and immunocompromised patients. Diagnostic tests that certify the pathology, don’t always achieve excellent performance. Endoscopic findings are not always clear in differentiating malignancy, and in some cases, a therapeutic trial may be needed to confirm the disease. We present the case of a patient with chronic diarrhea, consumptive syndrome and without respiratory symptoms at its onset.

La tuberculosis (TBC) sigue siendo un reto importante de salud pública. La verdadera incidencia de TBC intestinal es desconocida, ya que puede ser asintomática, y por su naturaleza a menudo desvía su diagnóstico a patologías neoplásicas o de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Por lo tanto, se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha, no sólo en poblaciones de alto riesgo y en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Las pruebas diagnósticas que certifiquen la patología no siempre se logran ni tienen un excelente rendimiento. Los hallazgos endoscópicos no siempre son claros para diferenciarla de una neoplasia, y en algunos casos una prueba terapéutica puede ser la confirmación de la enfermedad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con diarrea crónica, cuadro consuntivo y sin síntomas respiratorios al inicio de su cuadro.

Fluorescent quantitative PCR of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for differentiating intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn's disease

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn's disease (CD) are granulomatous disorders with similar clinical manifestations and pathological features that are often difficult to differentiate. This study evaluated the value of fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in fecal samples and biopsy specimens to differentiate ITB from CD. From June 2010 to March 2013, 86 consecutive patients (38 females and 48 males, median age 31.3 years) with provisional diagnoses of ITB and CD were recruited for the study. The patients' clinical, endoscopic, and histological features were monitored until the final definite diagnoses were made. DNA was extracted from 250 mg fecal samples and biopsy tissues from each patient. The extracted DNA was amplified using FQ-PCR for the specific MTB sequence. A total of 29 ITB cases and 36 CD cases were included in the analysis. Perianal disease and longitudinal ulcers were significantly more common in the CD patients (P<0.05), whereas night sweats, ascites, and circumferential ulcers were significantly more common in the ITB patients (P<0.05). Fecal FQ-PCR for MTB was positive in 24 (82.8%) ITB patients and 3 (8.3%) CD patients. Tissue PCR was positive for MTB in 16 (55.2%) ITB patients and 2 (5.6%) CD patients. Compared with tissue FQ-PCR, fecal FQ-PCR was more sensitive (X2=5.16, P=0.02). We conclude that FQ-PCR for MTB on fecal and tissue samples is a valuable assay for differentiating ITB from CD, and fecal FQ-PCR has greater sensitivity for ITB than tissue FQ-PCR.

Tuberculosis intestinal: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Intestinal tuberculosis: case report and review of the literature

La tuberculosis sigue siendo endémica en nuestro medio, y es una causa importante de morbimortalidad en Colombia y en la mayoría de países en vías de desarrollo. El tracto gastrointestinal es el sexto lugar extrapulmonar más comprometido. Las manifestaciones clínicas de esta patología no son específicas y pueden simular diversas enfermedades, lo que hace que el diagnóstico preciso no sea fácil. En este artículo presentamos 2 casos de tuberculosis intestinal que fueron diagnosticados y tratados por nuestro servicio, se describen los principales hallazgos clínicos y paraclínicos de estos y se presenta una revisión de la literatura.

Tuberculosis is still an endemic disease and remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Colombia and in too many developing countries. The gastrointestinal tract is the sixth commonest extrapulmonary site to be affected. Manifestations are non-specific and mimic many conditions, what makes really hard to get an accurate diagnosis. We, herein, report two cases of intestinal tuberculosis diagnosed and treated in our service, the main clinical and laboratory findings are shown. We also present a review of the literature regarding this interesting disease.

Tuberculosis intestinal secundaria: hallazgos morfológicos en un caso con desenlace fatal / Secondary intestinal tuberculosis: morphological findings in a fatal case

La tuberculosis gastrointestinal (TB GI) representa el 3-5 por ciento de todos los casos de TB extrapulmonar, reportándose que hasta el 20 por ciento de los sujetos con TB pulmonar presentan manifestaciones extra-pulmonares que incluyen enfermedades intra-abdominales, sin embargo, se desconoce la real incidencia del compromiso intestinal. La región ileocecal representa el sitio anatómico más frecuentemente afectado (85-90 por ciento), siendo actualmente la colonoscopía la herramienta diagnóstica de mayor utilidad. Se presentan los hallazgos morfológicos del examen post-mortem de una paciente en estudio por baja de peso y masa en región cecal. La necropsia realizada en la Unidad de Anatomía Patológica del Hospital Hernán Henríquez Aravena de Temuco concluyó una TB pulmonar bilateral con compromiso secundario intestinal y linfonodal.

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (TB GI) represents 3-5 percent of all cases of extrapulmonary TB, studies report that up to 20 percent of patients with pulmonary TB have extra-pulmonary manifestations. However, the real incidence of intestinal involvement is unknown. The ileocecal region is the anatomical site most frequently affected (85-90 percent), and colonoscopy is currently the most useful diagnostic tool. Post-mortem morphological elements of the examination of a patient with weight loss and cecal mass are presented. The necropsy performed at the Department of Pathology of the Hospital Hernán Henríquez of Temuco concluded a bilateral pulmonary TB with intestinal and lymph node involvement.

Úlcera tuberculosa intestinal como causa de hemorragia digestiva baja masiva exanguinante / Intestinal tuberculosis causing a severe gastrointestinal bleeding: report of one case

We report a 27 years old woman presenting with hematochezia. An upper endoscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal the bleeding site. Due to persistence of bleeding, the patient was operated, finding a fibrinous secretion surrounding bowel loops and a hyper vascularized concentric papular lesion. The involved bowel loop was excised. The pathological study of the surgical piece revealed intestinal tuberculosis. The patient started treatment for extra pulmonary tuberculosis.

Reportamos el caso de una paciente de 27 años con tuberculosis extrapulmonar gastrointestinal que se manifestó clínicamente como una hemorragia digestiva baja masiva exanguinante requiriendo cirugía de urgencia, donde se realizó laparotomía exploradora con entero y colonoscopía intraoperatoria localizando lesión a nivel de intestino delgado, resecando segmento comprometido con anastomosis primaria, evolución satisfactoria sin complicaciones postoperatorias.

Tuberculosis intestinal / Intestinal tuberculosis

La tuberculosis (TBC) es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica, de tipo granulomatosa, producida por el Mycobacterium tuberculosis. En Chile es endémica, con tasas de 18 casos por 100.000 habitantes. La forma extrapulmonar constituye el 24 por ciento de los casos totales, siendo el compromiso intestinal uno de los más frecuentes, destacando la región ileo-cecal como la más afectada (90 por ciento de los casos). El diagnóstico es complejo ya que las manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas y el bacilo difícil de aislar, lo que muchas veces retrasa el inicio del tratamiento aumentando la morbimortalidad. Las manifestaciones clínicas habituales son: dolor abdominal, fiebre, baja de peso y compromiso ileal, siendo frecuente la duda diagnóstica con otras enfermedades que afectan el íleon distal, principalmente la enfermedad de Crohn. El diagnóstico definitivo sólo puede ser realizado a través de la histología o la detección directa del bacilo. La notificación de los casos de TBC es obligatoria en nuestro país; el tratamiento estándar con drogas antituberculosas es altamente efectivo y está garantizado para toda la población chilena.

Tuberculosis (TBC) is a chronic infectious disease of granulomatous type, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Chile, the disease is endemic with rates of 18 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The extrapulmonary form accounts for 24 percent of the total cases. Of these, intestinal tuberculosis is the most frequent, being the ileo-colonic region the most affected (90 percent of cases). Diagnosis is complex because the clinical manifestations are non specific and the bacteria is difficult to isolate, which often delays the onset of treatment thus increasing morbidity and mortality. The most common clinical manifestations are abdominal pain, fever, weight loss and ileal disease, increasing the diagnostic uncertainty in relation to other diseases affecting the distal ileum, mainly Crohn’s disease. A definitive diagnosis can only be made through histology or direct detection of the bacillus. Notification of TBC cases is mandatory in our country; standard treatment with antituberculosis drugs is highly effective and is guaranteed for the entire Chilean population.

Tuberculose intestinal como causa de obstrução intestinal: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Intestinal tuberculosis cause of intestinal obstruction: case report and literature review

A tuberculose intestinal geralmente é uma complicação da doença pulmonar, pela deglutição de escarro infectado. Com o advento da SIDA, houve aumento importante na incidência de tuberculose de uma forma geral. Ocorre com maior freqüência em países tropicais e subdesenvolvidos. A região ileocecal constitui o sítio de maior comprometimento. Palidez, perda ponderal, sudorese noturna e febre são os achados mais comuns ao exame físico. Dor abdominal é o principal achado no exame abdominal. A complicação mais freqüente é a obstrução intestinal. O diagnóstico pré-operatório é muito difícil, sendo o de certeza dado pelo exame histopatológico ou em culturas de tecidos. O tratamento cirúrgico está indicado nos casos das raras complicações.

Intestinal tuberculosis occurs often as a pulmonary disease complication, when infected sputum is swallowed. With AIDS there was a significant increasement of tuberculosis in all of it forms. It happens more often in tropical and third world countries. The ileocecal is the site with most commitment. Paleness, weight loss, night sweats and fever are the most common findings on physical examination. Abdominal pain is the main finding in the abdominal examination. The most frequent complication is intestinal obstruction. The preoperative diagnosis is very difficult, and the certainty provided by histopathological examination or in tissue culture. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of rare complications.