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)

Perfil clínico, teste padrão da resistência à droga e resultados do tratamento de pacientes com tuberculose abdominal da Índia ocidental / Clinical profile, drug resistance pattern and treatment outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis patients in western india

ABSTRACT 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.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A tuberculose abdominal é um problema crescente no mundo em desenvolvimento. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as apresentações clínicas, o padrão de resistência a fármacos e os desfechos de tratamento da tuberculose abdominal na Índia ocidental. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos os casos de tuberculose abdominal de maio de 2014 a abril de 2017, diagnosticados com base no perfil clínico e nos resultados morfológicos brutos na endoscopia, imagem latente, seguido pela histologia e/ou pela cultura de GeneXpert e de MGIT. Todos os pacientes receberam a terapia antitubercular da droga (AKT) de acordo com o protocolo nacional. Os pacientes foram acompanhados de diagnósticos até a conclusão do tratamento e vários parâmetros foram estudados. RESULTADOS: Dos 176 pacientes, 48% eram do sexo masculino. A dor abdominal foi a queixa mais comum em 83,5%. Na colonoscopia, o íleo terminal e a válvula íleo-cecal foram os segmentos mais comumente envolvidos. O trato gastrointestinal superior foi envolvido em quatro pacientes. As lesões ulceronodulares totais foram as mais comuns seguidas pela lesão ulcerosa/nodular. As estenoses foram observadas em 28 (15,9%) pacientes priciplamente com a válvula íleo-cecal envolvida, dos quais 23 tiveram alívio sintomático com AKT e somente três necessitaram de dilatação. A histopatologia mostrou o granuloma em 80,8% casos. O MGIT foi positivo em 43 (35,80%) e GeneXpert foi positivo em 35 (26,1%) casos. Oito pacientes tiveram tuberculose resistente a múltiplas drogas. Apenas dois pacientes necessitaram de manejo cirúrgico. CONCLUSÃO: A tuberculose abdominal com amplo espectro de apresentação, ainda pode ser manuseada com diagnóstico precoce e tratamento mesmo em pacientes com obstrução intestinal sub-aguda. Ganho de peso ou sintomas resolvidos foram considerados marcadores precoces de resposta ao tratamento. Pacientes com estenose podem se tornar assintomáticos com tratamento médico isoladamente.

A prospective study on tubercular fistula in ano and its management / Estudo prospectivo sobre a fístula anal tuberculosa e seu tratamento

Abstract Objective Tuberculosis fistula in ano, though less encountered, is an important clinical entity in developing countries like India. Diagnosis of TB fistula is a challenge despite of advances in diagnostic modalities and it depends upon both local and systemic clinical presentation. This prospective study aimed at to substantiate the importance of clinical diagnosis as well as medical management of tubercular fistula by antitubercular drugs. Methods and results 25 patients of fistula in ano suspected to be of tubercular origin underwent histopathology of fistulous tracks and an 8 week therapeutic trial of antitubercular treatment after getting an informed consent. Though biopsy showed positive evidence of tubercular pathology only in 52% cases, therapeutic trial showed improvement in local and systemic features in 23 (92%) cases. Of these 23 cases, 3 were cured after 18 months of anti tubercular treatment and 18 showed cure after 24 months of anti tubercular treatment while 2 cases withdrew from the study at 12 and 14 months respectively due to adverse drug reactions though their fistulous symptoms were relieved. Conclusion Meticulous clinical evaluation plays a vital role in diagnosis of tubercular fistula in addition to other diagnostic methods. Anti tubercular treatment is the mainstay of treatment in tubercular fistula with a minimum duration of 18-24 months owing to the recurrent and relapsing nature of disease.

Resumo Objetivo A fístula anal da tuberculose (TB), embora menos observada, constitui entidade clínica importante em países em desenvolvimento, como a Índia. O diagnóstico de fístula TB é tarefa desafiadora, apesar dos avanços nas modalidades diagnósticas; seu estabelecimento depende tanto da apresentação clínica local, como da apresentação sistêmica. Esse estudo prospectivo teve por objetivo consubstanciar a importância do diagnóstico clínico e também do tratamento clínico da fístula TB com medicamentos contra tuberculose. Métodos e resultados Foi realizado estudo histopatológico de tratos fistulosos em 25 pacientes com fístula anal com suspeita de origem tuberculosa; depois de obtido o consentimento livre e informado, esses pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento anti-tuberculose (TAT) durante 8 semanas. Embora a biópsia tenha revelado evidência positiva de patologia tuberculosa em apenas 52% dos casos, o curso terapêutico resultou em melhora nos aspectos local e sistêmico em 23 (92%) pacientes. Desses 23 casos, 3 e 18 casos estavam curados após 18 e 24 meses de TAT, respectivamente, enquanto que 2 pacientes desistiram do estudo após 12 e 14 meses, respectivamente, em decorrência de reações farmacológicas adversas, mesmo diante do alívio de seus sintomas fistulosos. Conclusão Juntamente com outros métodos diagnósticos, uma avaliação clínica meticulosa desempenha papel vital no diagnóstico da fístula TB. TAT é o principal procedimento terapêutico em pacientes com fístula TB, com duração mínima de 18-24 meses devido à natureza recorrente e recidivante da doença.

An Interesting Case of Tuberculous Colitis Mimicking Crohn's Disease.

Intestinal tuberculosis is a rare disease in western countries and may mimic a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Here, we report the case of a 29-yr-old male patient who presented with loose motions, loss of appetite and loss of body weight since two years. On colonoscopy transverse colon, ascending colon, caecum and ileocaecal mucosa was inflamed, swollen and showed multiple superficial longitudinal ulcerations. Crohn’s disease was suspected based on colonoscopic finding. However histopathological examination of biopsies from colonic mucosa then revealed caseating granulomas in the colonic mucosa typical for mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Our diagnosis is supported by raised serum IgM levels.The patient responded nicely to antitubercular therapy. This case emphasizes the need to include intestinal tuberculosis in the initial differential diagnosis of ulcerative colorectal lesions.

Tuberculosis of the Duodenum: Clinical presentation, diagnosis and outcome.

Buck&round: Duodenal tuberculosis accounts for <2% of abdominal tuberculosis and usually manifests with recurrent vomiting. Existing guidelines suggest surgery as the mainstay for both obtaining a definitive diagnosis as well as for therapy. Aims: The aim of this prospective study was to describe the clinical presentation and usefulness of endoscopic techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of duodenal tuberculosis. Methods: Data of patients diagnosed to have duodenal tuberculosis over a three-year-period were analysed for age, presenting symptoms and outcome of therapy. Diagnosis was based on histological evidence of granulomatous inflammation along with unequivocal improvement in vomiting and other symptoms over six-eight weeks following a combination of anti-tubercular drug therapy and endoscopic balloon dilatation. Results: Ten patients with recurrent vomiting (median age 27 years) were diagnosed to have duodenal tuberculosis. Significant narrowing was seen at endoscopy in nine patients with post bulbar area being the commonest site in five patients. Histological diagnosis of granulomatous duodenitis was possible in nine (90%) patients. Balloon dilatation achieved resumption of normal diet at a median duration of seven days (range 2-40). Symptomatic improvement was substantiated by a median increase in BMI of 5 kg/m2 over the baseline value. Surgical intervention was not required in any patient. Conclusions : Recurrent vomiting due to gastric outlet obstruction is the commonest presentation of duodenal tuberculosis. Endoscopically, a histological diagnosis of granulomatous inflammation can be achieved in most of the patients. Endoscopic balloon dilatation coupled with anti-tubercular drug therapy is safe and effective treatment for this uncommon disease.

Ultrasonography for diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis in HIV infected people.

Background & objectives: There is an increasing incidence of abdominal tuberculosis with the advent of HIV infection. This study was aimed at determining the pattern of presentation of abdominal tuberculosis on ultrasonography (USG) in HIV positive patients. Methods: This retrospective study was carried at the ART Centre, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, between March 2005 to July 2007. HIV positive patients (n=2453) with prolonged fever, abdominal pain/distension, altered bowel habits and diarrhoea underwent ultrasonography for tuberculosis of abdomen. The different ultrasonological findings in abdominal tuberculosis were noted. CD4 counts of these patients were also recorded. Results: Of the total 2453 patients, 244 showed findings suggestive of abdominal tuberculosis. Lymphadenopathy with predominantly hypoechoic/necrotic echotexture was seen in 158/244 (64.8%) patients. Splenomegaly was seen in 68 patients with 61 of them (89.7%) showing multiple hypoechoic lesions in the parenchyma. 53 of 244 (21.7%) showed extensive abdominal involvement. Liver enlargement was seen as a part of extensive abdominal involvement. A total of 203 patients completed antitubercular treatment, of which 198 (97.5%) showed resolution of lesions in USG. CD4 counts in patients with extensive abdominal involvement were lowest compared to CD4 count in patients with others USG findings. Interpretation & conclusion: Ultrasonological findings like lymphadenopathy (≥1.5 cm) with hypoechoeic/necrotic echotexture, hypoechoic splenic lesions and extensive abdominal involvement in HIV infected patients may be suggestive of abdominal tuberculosis.

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.

Ulceración perianal: Dos casos de una rara manifestación de tuberculosis extrapulmonar / Perianal tuberculosis: Report of two cases

Perianal tuberculosis is an uncommon variant of extra pulmonary tuberculosis and mimics other common perianal conditions. We report two patients with perianal tuberculosis. An 82-year-old male presenting with purulent perianal discharge and weight loss. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a low trans sphincteric anorectal fistula with abscess formation. A fistulectomy was performed and the pathological study showed a granulomatous-tuberculous chronic inflammation. Mycobacteria were recovered from gastric contents. A 48-year-old male with the same symptoms. An ulcerated lesion in the anal region was biopsied, disclosing a granulomatous inflammatory process with Ziehl-Nielsen stainable organisms.

Enterolithiasis: An uncommon finding in abdominal tuberculosis.

Enterolithiasis, the formation of intestinal calculi due to stasis, is known to occur with abdominal tuberculosis. It has uncommonly been reported from India and only rarely in older children.

Primary gastric fundus tuberculosis in immunocompetent patient: a case report and literature review

We report on a 29-year-old Pakistani man who presented to the clinic with epigastric pain, of one-month duration. He did not report fever, cough, vomiting blood, passing black stools, loss of appetite or diarrhea. However, he had lost 7 kg since his symptoms had begun. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Laboratory results were within normal limits. An abdominal CT scan showed a mass with enhancement in the stomach. Gastric endoscopy revealed an ulcerative mass in the fundus. An endoscopic-biopsy specimen revealed caseating granulomas with acid-fast bacilli. The patient was diagnosed to have primary gastric tuberculosis, and antituberculous medications were initiated. Cultures of the gastric mass subsequently grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensitive to isoniazid and rifampcin. Follow-up after six months showed a good response to treatment; an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy after six months was normal.

Randomized controlled trial of DOTS versus conventional regime for treatment of ileocecal and colonic tuberculosis.

There is limited information regarding the efficacy of 'directly observed treatment short course' (DOTS) in the treatment of intestinal tuberculosis. We randomized patients with ileocecal or colonic tuberculosis to receive daily tuberculosis chemotherapy (Group A) or DOTS (Group B). Patients received isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol daily for two months in group A and thrice weekly for 2 months in group B, followed by isoniazid and rifampicin daily for 7 months in group A and thrice weekly for 4 months in group B. Patients were followed up at 2 and 4 weeks and monthly thereafter until the end of treatment. Follow up colonoscopy was done at 2 and 6 months after starting treatment. The improvement in clinical symptoms was not different between Groups A (24) and B (23) at 2 and 6 months. Mean increase in weight was 5.1 (0.5) Kg and 5.7 (0.6) Kg at 2 months and 7.1 (1.7) Kg and 6.9 (1.9) Kg at 6 months in Group A and B, respectively. Complete healing of ulceration was noted in 75% of Group A patients and 79% of Group B patients at 2 months and in all patients in both groups at 6 months. We conclude that DOTS and daily chemotherapy are equally effective for treating ileocecal and colonic tuberculosis.

Esofagitis tuberculosa en un paciente HIV positivo / Esophageal tuberculosis. Repon of one case with aids

Tuberculosis rates in Chile are higher than expected during the last years. This is directly related to the increase of immunodeficiency associated to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is the sixth in frequency of extra pulmonary localizations. We report an HIV(+) 55 year-old male, that presented with fever and epigastric pain. In an upper GI endoscopy small elevated lesions were described in the esophagus. Pathological study was suggestive of tuberculous infection. The definitive diagnosis of esophageal tuberculosis was obtained by a PCR test of the biopsy sample. Antituberculous therapy was started and one year later there was a regression but not disappearance of esophageal lesions and granulomas in the pathological study.

Esophageal ulcers caused by reactivation of ganglionary tuberculosis: a case report

The involvement of the esophagus in tuberculosis (TB) is extremely rare. This is a case report of an immunocompetent male patient, who presented ganglionary TB reactivation, with the development of extensive esophageal ulcers. The endoscopic approach made the diagnosis possible and there was a total resolution of the symptoms after the treatment.

Isolated gastric tuberculosis; A case report

Tuberculosis is an important problem in the world and Iran. Tuberculosis is an ancient disease but because of different presentations is a mysterious disease too. A 20-year-old girl who complained of abdominal pain with peptic ulcer and weight loss was admitted in our hospital. Since 4 months ago before referring, she had been treated many times for peptic ulcer including treatment for helicobacter pylori. Then endoscopy and biopsy were done. In endoscopy one ulcer in antrum with malignant appearance was observed. At biopsy granulomatous inflammation compatible with tuberculosis reported. She was treated by anti-tuberculosis drug for six months. Endoscopy repeated after 2 months of therapy showed completely normal pattern and she had 5 kg weight gain and totally symptom free after completion of therapy. Gastric TB should be considered for differential diagnosis of patient with gastric symptoms in endemic regions

A Case of Reactivated Tuberculous Colitis After 9 Months of Anti-tuberculous Therapy / 대한소화기학회지

Tuberculous colitis, an important extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, is still prevalent in the developing countries and has been resurging in the Western world. The duration and dose of anti-tuberculous therapy have not yet been clarified in the tuberculous colitis. We experienced a case of tuberculous colitis, which relapsed after 9 months of therapy. A 28-year-old man presented with hematochezia and was diagnosed as tuberculous colitis on the basis of colonoscopic findings. He was treated with anti-tuberculous agents for 9 months successfully. Three months later, however, he complained of hematochezia again, suggesting the relapse of tuberculous colitis. He had taken anti-tuberculous therapy for another 15 months and showed no evidence of relapse. Although anti-tuberculous therapy is efficient for tuberculous colitis, rare cases of reactivation should be reminded.

Primary tuberculous stricture of the oesophagus mimicking carcinoma.

A middle-aged woman presented with progressive dysphagia and weight loss was investigated. A stricture involving the lower third of oesophagus was identified but precise histology of the lesion could not be obtained even after multiple biopsies. The resected specimen showed histology consistent with oesophageal tuberculosis.

Non-specific granulomatous inflammatory lesions of small bowel.

The entity of nonspecific granulomatous inflammatory lesions(NSGIL) of the small bowel is a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Data of 52 histopathologically proven cases of NSGIL seen by us between 1986 and 1991 were analysed. All these patients presented with either intestinal obstruction or perforation. They were thoroughly evaluated and investigated for tuberculosis. Of the 52 patients, 6 patients received antitubercular therapy (ATT) before and after surgery and 32 patients only after surgery. Fourteen patients did not receive ATT. Surgical procedures undertaken included stricturoplasty, resection/anastomosis and simple suturing of perforation. No complications were seen in patients who received ATT; however, six of 14 patients who did not receive ATT developed wound sepsis and 2 developed partial wound dehiscence. Many of these NSGIL lesions could be tuberculous in etiology though typical caseating granulomas were not seen.