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 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.

Small Intestinal Hemangioma: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Hemangiomas are benign vascular neoplasms that originate from fast-growing embryonic mesodermal tissue and have a proliferation of endothelial cells, which manifest themselves in different forms, locations, and dimensions. Owing to its rarity and similarity of symptoms with other chronic bowel diseases, intestinal hemangioma is a differential diagnosis to be considered in patients presenting with symptoms such as abdominal pain and anemia. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old woman with a history of diffuse abdominal pain and abdominal distension for 20 years presented with a worsening of symptoms in the past year. She denied weight loss or changes in bowel habits or stool appearance. Laboratory investigations showed microcytic hypochromic anemia. Colonoscopy results were normal. A contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan showed focal and concentric thickening of the small intestine, measuring 8.3 cm, and associated with calcifications, intestinal dilation, mesenteric lymph node enlargement, and vascular dilatation and consistent with infectious granulomatous diseases such as intestinal tuberculosis, carcinoid tumor, Crohn's disease, and lymphoma. The tuberculin skin test resulted in a strong 25-mm reaction. We suspected intestinal tuberculosis or expansive injury, and the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with visualization of a 4- to 5-cm bluish/blackish vegetating lesion located 220 cm from the Treitz angle. The anatomopathological study showed cavernous hemangioma of the small intestine, measuring 2.6×1.0 cm. The patient recovered well and remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS Although rare, intestinal hemangioma should be on the list of differential diagnoses for chronic intestinal diseases, especially if there is anemia due to coexisting iron deficiency.

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 infantil sistémica / Systemic childhood tuberculosis

Introducción: La tuberculosis infantil, definida como la enfermedad infectocontagiosa producida por el bacilo de Koch en pacientes menores de 15 años, continúa siendo un problema de salud pública debido a la cantidad de casos que anualmente se informan, además de ser un desafío para el pediatra en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente varón con un cuadro de tuberculosis multisistémica. Presentación de caso: Paciente varón de 13 años con un cuadro progresivo de pérdida de peso de 20 kilos en 3 meses, dolor abdominal de localización difusa, tos seca e hiporexia. En los exámenes realizados, se encontraron lesiones cavitarias pulmonares, múltiples adenopatías enteroperitoneales y baciloscopia positiva en heces y orina; con lo que se llegó al diagnóstico de tuberculosis sistémica infantil y se inició esquema antituberculoso. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente y se encuentra estable. Conclusiones: Ante un paciente pediátrico con síndrome consuntivo, procedente de una zona endémica, la tuberculosis debe ser una de las primeras opciones en el diagnóstico diferencial(AU)

Introduction: Childhood tuberculosis, defined as the infectious-contagious disease caused by the Koch bacillus in patients under 15 years of age, continues to be a public health problem due to the number of cases that are reported annually; in addition to represent a challenge for the pediatrician in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Objective: Describe the case of a male patient with a picture of multisystem tuberculosis. Case presentation: A 13-year-old male patient with a progressive weight loss of 20 kg in 3 months, abdominal pain of diffuse location, dry cough and hyporexia. In the examinations carried out, pulmonary cavitary lesions, multiple enteroperitoneal adenopathies and positive smears in feces and urine were found; with which the diagnosis of systemic tuberculosis in children was reached and an antituberculous scheme was initiated. The patient progressed favorably and he is stable. Conclusions: In the case of a pediatric patient with a wasting syndrome, and coming from an endemic area, tuberculosis should be one of the first options in the differential diagnosis(AU)

Diagnostic challenge between Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis in chronic diarrhea with ulcerated jejunal stenosis: a case report / Desafío diagnóstico entre la enfermedad de Crohn y la tuberculosis intestinal en la diarrea crónica con estenosis yeyunal ulcerada: reporte de un caso

ABSTRACT Intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are a diagnostic challenge because of the clinical, radiological and endoscopic similarity. The histological and microbiological findings are positive in less than 50%, which delays the correct treatment, putting the patient at risk. We reported a 34-year-old immunocompetent patient with 4 years of malabsorptive diarrhea, weight loss, nocturnal diaphoresis, abdominal pain and an ulcer with stenosis in the jejunum was found; she received empirical anti- tuberculosis treatment with clinical improvement. Later the culture was positive for M. tuberculosis.

RESUMEN La tuberculosis intestinal y la enfermedad de Crohn son un desafío diagnóstico debido a la similitud clínica, radiológica y endoscópica. Los hallazgos histológicos y microbiológicos son positivos en menos del 50%, lo que retrasa el correcto tratamiento, poniendo en riesgo al paciente. Reportamos un paciente de 34 años inmunocompetente con 4 años de diarrea malabsortiva, pérdida de peso, diaforesis nocturna, dolor abdominal y se encontró una úlcera con estenosis en yeyuno; recibió tratamiento empírico antituberculoso con mejoría clínica. Posteriormente el cultivo fue positivo para M. tuberculosis.

[Acute perforated appendicitis secondary to tuberculosis as a cause of postpartum infection]. / Apendicitis aguda perforada secundaria a una tuberculosis como causa de sepsis posparto.

Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation, it represents 3% of cases and mainly involves the ileocecal region; appendiceal involvement is rare. Tuberculous appendicitis can present as an acute condition indistinguishable from other causes of appendicitis and the diagnosis is generally made by histopathological finding, which delays treatment and can lead to complications. The postpartum period is at risk of a reactivation of tuberculosis, due to changes in the immune system that manifests as an immune reconstitution syndrome. We present the case of a postpartum patient admitted for septic shock secondary to perforated appendicitis, the pathology reported chronic granulomatous inflammation and subsequent confirmation by molecular technique of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Apendicitis aguda perforada secundaria a una tuberculosis como causa de sepsis posparto / Acute perforated appendicitis secondary to tuberculosis as a cause of postpartum infection

Resumen La tuberculosis gastrointestinal es una manifestación extrapulmonar poco frecuente, correspondiendo al 3% de los casos y que compromete principalmente la región ileocecal; la afectación apendicular es poco frecuente. La apendicitis tuberculosa se puede presentar como un cuadro agudo indistinguible de las otras causas de apendicitis y el diagnóstico generalmente se hace por el hallazgo histopatológico, lo que retrasa el tratamiento y puede llevar a complicaciones. El período posparto es de riesgo de una reactivación de una tuberculosis, debido a cambios en el sistema inmunológico que se manifiestan como un síndrome de reconstitución inmune. Se presenta el caso de una paciente puérpera que ingresa por un choque séptico secundario a una apendicitis perforada. La histopatología demostró una inflamación granulomatosa crónica, con posterior confirmación por biología molecular de una tuberculosis pulmonar.

Abstract Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation, it represents 3% of cases and mainly involves the ileocecal region; appendiceal involvement is rare. Tuberculous appendicitis can present as an acute condition indistinguishable from other causes of appendicitis and the diagnosis is generally made by histopathological finding, which delays treatment and can lead to complications. The postpartum period is at risk of a reactivation of tuberculosis, due to changes in the immune system that manifests as an immune reconstitution syndrome. We present the case of a postpartum patient admitted for septic shock secondary to perforated appendicitis, the pathology reported chronic granulomatous inflammation and subsequent confirmation by molecular technique of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Consideraciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas de la tuberculosis intestinal / Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations about Abdominal Tuberculosis

Introducción: La tuberculosis es una enfermedad reemergente, importante como causa mayor de incapacidad y muerte en muchas zonas del mundo. La tuberculosis intestinal representa 11 por ciento de todas las formas extrapulmonares; 0,5 por ciento de todos los casos nuevos de y el 10 al 15 por ciento en los no infectados por el VIH. En el municipio Tunas se notificó el caso de un adolescente de 17 años, masculino, al que se le diagnostica esta enfermedad luego de haber presentado síntomas de dolor abdominal recurrente durante de varios meses antes del diagnóstico. Objetivo: Actualizar la información sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis intestinal. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre tuberculosis intestinal con la literatura encontrada en bases de datos disponibles en la red Infomed: PubMed, Hinari, The Cochrane Library, SciELO, MEDLINE y MedicLatina; con un enfoque histórico-lógico y de análisis-síntesis. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico precoz de la tuberculosis intestinal sin tuberculosis pulmonar activa continúa siendo un problema de salud, ya que los parámetros clínicos, bioquímicos, imagenológicos y endoscópicos aún carecen de especificidad, y en algunos casos se ha mostrado resistencia al tratamiento habitual(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a reemerging disease, also important as a major cause of disability and death in many regions of the world. Abdominal tuberculosis represents 11 percent of all extrapulmonary forms; 0.5 percent of all new cases of HIV infection and 10-15 percent of those not infected with HIV. In Las Tunas Municipality, the case of a 17-year-old male adolescent who was diagnosed with this disease was reported after the patient presented symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain for several months before diagnosis. Objective: To update information on the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal tuberculosis. Methods: A literature review on intestinal tuberculosis was carried out with the literature found in databases available on the Infomed network, such as PubMed, Hinari, The Cochrane Library, SciELO, MEDLINE, and MedicLatina, with a historical-logical and analysis-synthesis approach. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis without active pulmonary tuberculosis continues to be a health concern, since clinical, biochemical, imaging, and endoscopic parameters still lack specificity, and, in some cases, resistance to usual treatment has been shown(AU)

Diagnostic challenge between Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis in chronic diarrhea with ulcerated jejunal stenosis: a case report.

Intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are a diagnostic challenge because of the clinical, radiological and endoscopic similarity. The histological and microbiological findings are positive in less than 50%, which delays the correct treatment, putting the patient at risk. We reported a 34-year-old immunocompetent patient with 4 years of malabsorptive diarrhea, weight loss, nocturnal diaphoresis, abdominal pain and an ulcer with stenosis in the jejunum was found; she received empirical anti- tuberculosis treatment with clinical improvement. Later the culture was positive for M. tuberculosis.

[Duodenal obstruction and upper gastrointestinal bleeding as the initial presentation of an isolated duodenal tuberculosis]. / Obstrucción duodenal y hemorragia digestiva alta como presentación inicial de una tuberculosis duodenal aislada.

Primary duodenal tuberculosis is rare, even in endemic regions. The diagnosis poses a major challenge and requires a high index of suspicion, supported by imaging studies, microbiology, and histopatology obtained by endoscopic or surgical biopsy. We report the case of a 31-year-old man, without HIV infection or any previous history of tuberculosis, who presented with duodenal obstruction. After exploratory laparotomy, he presented a duodenal stenosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A total of four diagnostic procedures (one laparotomy and three endoscopies) were performed, all of which included biopsies. Only the last endoscopy made with the technique "biopsy upon biopsy" showed the presence of acid fast bacilli and granulomas. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in duodenal tissue. There was no evidence of involvement of other organs by tuberculosis. The patient had an excellent therapeutic response.

Tuberculosis abdominal en niños de un hospital público de tercer nivel en México / Abdominal tuberculosis in children of a public tertiary hospital in Mexico

INTRODUCCIÓN. A nivel mundial la tuberculosis es una de las diez causas de muerte, con una incidencia de 7 920 pacientes entre 0 ­ 14 años en la región de América; siendo el abdomen el sitio extrapulmonar más común. OBJETIVOS. Describir las características etarias, clínicas, microbio-lógicas, complicaciones y comorbilidades asociadas en los pacientes pediátricos con tuberculosis abdominal. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio retrospectivo, base de datos de 23 pacientes y edades de 0 meses a 17 años 11 meses y 29 días de edad con evidencia confirmatoria de la presencia del microorganismo; de los servicios de Gastroenterología y Epidemiología en el Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca ", período 2007 a 2018. RESULTADOS. Se informaron 47,8% (11; 23) de sexo masculino y 52,2% (12; 23) de sexo femenino; 26,1% (6; 23) con antecedente de ingesta de lácteos no pasteurizados. Los tres datos clínicos más frecuentes fueron dolor abdominal, fiebre y pérdida de peso. El 8,7% (2;23) tuvieron convivencia con personas con tuberculosis activa positivo; 30,4% (7; 23) registraron prueba cutánea de derivado proteico pu-rificado positiva; 30,4% (7; 23) identificación de bacterias ácido-alcohol resistentes positivo; 43,5% (10; 23) estudios de imagen compatibles; 8,7% (2; 23) proteína C reactiva de mucosa intestinal po-sitivo; 4,3% (1; 36) cultivo positivo y 8,7% (2; 23) pacientes con inmunodeficiencia. CONCLUSIÓN. La tuberculosis abdominal, se presentó en menores de edad con síntomas inespecíficos de dolor abdominal, fiebre y pérdida de peso, expuestos a ingesta de productos lácteos no pasteurizados, combe positivo e inmunodeficiencia.

INTRODUCTION. Worldwide, tuberculosis is one of the ten causes of death, with an incidence of 7 920 patients between 0 - 14 years in the Americas region; the abdomen being the most common extrapulmonary site. OBJECTIVES. Describe the age, clinical, microbiological, complications and associated comorbidities in pediatric patients with abdominal tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND ME-THODS. Retrospective study, database of 23 patients and ages from 0 months of age to 17 years 11 months and 29 days of age with confirmatory evidence of the presence of the microorganism; of the Gastroenterology and Epidemiology services at the New Civil Hospital of Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca ", period 2 007 to 2 018. RESULTS. 47,8% (11; 23) men and 52,2% (12; 23) women were reported; 26,1% (6; 23) with a history of unpasteurized dairy intake. The three most frequent clinical data were abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. 8,7% (2; 23) lived together with people with positive active tuberculosis; 30,4% (7; 23) recorded a positive purified protein derivative skin test; 30,4% (7; 23) positive acid-alcohol resistant bacteria identification; 43,5% (10; 23) compatible imaging studies; 8,7% (2; 23) positive intestinal mucosal C-reactive protein; 4,3% (1; 36) positive culture and 8,7% (2; 23) patients with immunodeficiency. CONCLUSION. Abdominal tuberculosis occurred in minors with nonspecific symptoms of abdominal pain, fever and weight loss, exposed to intake of unpasteurized dairy products, positive combe and immunodeficiency

CLINICAL PROFILE, DRUG RESISTANCE PATTERN AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF ABDOMINAL TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN WESTERN INDIA.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal tuberculosis is an increasing problem in developing world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the clinical presentations, drug resistance pattern and treatment outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis in Western India. METHODS: All the cases of abdominal tuberculosis from May 2014 to April 2017, diagnosed on the basis of clinical profile and gross morphological findings at endoscopy, imaging, followed by histology and/or GeneXpert and MGIT culture were included. All patients received antitubercular drug (AKT) therapy according to national protocol. Patients were followed from diagnoses till completion of treatment and various parameters were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 176 patients, 48% were males. Abdominal pain was most common complaint in 83.5%. On colonoscopy terminal ileum and ileocaecal valve were most commonly involved segments. Upper gastrointestinal tract was involved in four patients. Overall ulceronodular lesions were most common followed by ulcerative/nodular lesion. Strictures in bowel were seen in 28 (15.9%) patients with ileocaecal valve being most commonly involved, of which 23 had symptomatic relief with AKT and only three required dilatation. Histopathology showed granuloma in 80.8% cases. MGIT was positive in 43 (35.80%) cases and GeneXpert was positive in 35 (26.1%) cases. Eight patients had multi drug resistant tuberculosis. Only two patients required surgical management. CONCLUSION: Abdominal tuberculosis with wide spectrum of presentation, can still be managed with early diagnosis and treatment even in patients with sub acute intestinal obstruction. Weight gain or resolving symptoms were considered early markers of treatment response. Patients with stricture can become asymptomatic with medical treatment alone.

Esophageal tuberculosis in an HIV-positive patient mimicking a spindle cell tumor.

Tuberculosis (TB) of the esophagus is an extremely rare condition, even in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a 24-year-old man with a past history of HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis who presented with dysphagia and a 2cm submucosal mass in the proximal esophagus. The biopsy was diagnosed as a spindle cell neoplasm in another center. Sections displayed a submucosal lesion formed by spindle and epithelioid cells, surrounded by chronic inflammation. The spindle cells were positive for S100 and CD68, but negative for cytokeratin, desmin, smooth muscle actin, ALK, CD34 and CD117. Ziehl-Neelsen stain was performed and showed many intracellular acid-fast bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of esophageal TB. This case is a reminder that esophageal TB may become manifest as a submucosal lesion and the histiocytic-granulomatous reaction may mimic a spindle cell tumor.