Tuberculosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Tuberculosis, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, pulmonary, mycobacterium.

Intestinal tuberculosis mimicking Crohn's disease: lessons relearned in a new era.

Sibartie V, Kirwan WO, O'Mahony S, Stack W, Shanahan F

Department of Medicine, University College Cork, National University of Ireland, Ireland.

Over 400 000 cases of tuberculosis existed in Europe in 2002, 1% of which were intestinal tuberculosis. With population migrations on the increase, physicians may have to face an increase in intestinal tuberculosis. One of the attributes of intestinal tuberculosis is its ability to present in nonspecific ways and to mimic other disorders, in particular inflammatory bowel disease. We present a case series of intestinal tuberculosis presenting as inflammatory bowel disease and referred for management to a specialized clinic in inflammatory bowel disease, followed by a discussion of the difficulties encountered with this condition. We highlight the consequences that misdiagnosis can have, in an era where population demographics are changing in Europe and where immunomodulators and biological agents have the potential to do more harm than good.

Published 13 March 2007 in Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 19(4): 347-9.
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