The analysis of 20 misdiagnosed cases of large intestine tuberculosis / 中华消化杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the complication of clinical characteristics, factors causing misdiagnosis, and diagnosis of large intestine tuberculosis (LIT). Methods The data of twenty cases of LIT misdiagnosed preoperatively in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The difficulties of LIT diagnosis and management were studied and analyzed. Results Abdominal pain, mass, and the alteration of stool habit were the most common symptoms. LIT was most commonly confused with malignant tumor, Crohn's disease, and periappendicular abscess. Ten of 17 patients, who were performed exploratory laparotomy, were misdiagnosed as tumor or Crohn's disease. Most of our cases were not definitively diagnosed until the histopathologic examination after surgery. Three cases were diagnosed by other methods. Gastrointestinal X ray series, colonoscopy, endoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) and laparoscopic exploration may improve the diagnosis. Exploratory laparotomy with biopsy was the final procedure for diagnosis. Final diagnosis mainly depends on histology. Conclusions LIT lacks special clinical manifestations and has a high misdiagnosis rate. But if correct diagnosis is established, most patients can be cured and unnecessary exploratory laparotomy can be avoided. Six months antituberculosis treatment is effective for LIT whether the lesion is excised or not.