Gastroduodenal and Colorectal Tuberculosis: Report of 2 Cases

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Tuberculosis remains a public health concern in developing countries, as well as in developed countries as a result of immigration from endemic areas. Gastroduodenal and colorectal tuberculosis are rare manifestations of gastrointestinal infection. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> We present 2 cases of gastric, duodenal, and colorectal tuberculosis. The first case, a 17-year-old male with no medical record, presented with chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. At endoscopy, he had multiple ulcers in the stomach, colon, and rectum, which were positive to <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>. The second case was a 43-year-old HIV-positive male, with a history of intermittent fever, nausea, and vomiting. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a deep ulcer on gastric fundus that tested positive to <i>M. tuberculosis</i> in the acid-fast bacilli staining. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Gastroduodenal and colorectal tuberculosis, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. An adequate tissue sample and appropriate diagnostic tests are essential for the diagnosis and prompt start of first-line antituberculosis agents.