Primary tuberculous enterocolitis. Report of three cases and review of the literature
R. J. Kasulke, W. J. Anderson, S. K. Gupta and M. L. Gliedman
Three patients had primary enteric tuberculosis. Therapy included
antituberculous chemotherapy and resection of the involved segment of bowel
with primary anastomosis in each case. The symptomatology, roentgenographic
findings, histopathology, and treatment of enteric tuberculosis are
reviewed. The surgeon must be aware of the fact that primary enteric
tuberculosis continues to exist in the United States. Though no
pathognomonic symptoms or syndrome occur in enteric tuberculosis, this
disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with
vague abdominal complaints, weight loss, and anorexia.
