Colorectal tuberculosis

Abstract

Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of colorectal tuberculosis in our series and to study its radiological spectrum. A total of 684 cases of proven gastrointestinal tuberculosis with positive barium contrast findings seen over a period of more than one decade were evaluated. The study did not include cases where colon was involved in direct contiguity with ileo-caecal tuberculosis. Seventy-four patients (10.8%) had colorectal tuberculosis. Commonest site involved was transverse colon, closely followed by rectum and ascending colon. Radiological findings observed were in the form of strictures (54%), colitis (39%) and polypoid lesions (7%). Complications noted were in the form of perforations and fistulae in 18.9% of cases. Colorectal tuberculosis is a very common site for gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Typical findings of colorectal tuberculosis are strictures, signs of colitis and polypoid lesions. Common complications are perforation and fistulae.

Colonic Tuberculosis Masquerading as Colon Cancer

“…Other commonly observed radiological findings include strictures (54%), colitis (39%) and less frequently polypoid lesions (7%) (8). Complications noted were in the form of perforations and fistulae in less than 20% of cases (2). This case highlights the ease with which colonic TB may be mistaken for colonic cancer and the dilemma of diagnosing it radiologically and endoscopically.…”

Spectrum of Tuberculosis in Human Body – A Radiologic Review

“…Calcifications of the bladder wall are rare, if found must be differentiated from other causes of bladder calcifications, such as schistosomiasis of bladder, cytoxan cystitis, radiation-induced bladder calcification, calcified bladder carcinoma, or encrusted foreign body [21].…”

“…Multiple strictures may produce alternating segments of dilatation and narrowing, giving a beaded appearance which is the characteristic appearance of ureteric TB. The lesions may be demonstrated on IVU, retrograde or antegrade pyelography [21] …”

“…Differential diagnosis of ileocaecal TB includes amoebiasis, caecal carcinoma, Crohn's disease and lymphoma [15,21,22].…”

“…Spread from TB salpingitis can cause peritonitis, endometriosis, or rarely, cervicitis and vaginitis. Hysterosalpingography is recommended to identify the lesions [21]. Advanced tuberculous endometritis may mimic severe uterine adhesions as seen in Asherman syndrome [Fig 27].…”