Aurun Joyati Tarafder1, S.M. Abdur Razzaque2, Bipul Kanti Biswas2,
Md Khairul Anam2, Md. Rezaul Karim3
Introduction:
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a deadly global health
problem, especially in developing nations.
According to the World Health Organization,
more than 2 billion people are estimated to be
infected with tuberculosis1 and approximately
95% of tuberculosis cases occur in developing
countries.2 Extrapulmonary forms of
tuberculosis constitute approximately one sixth
of all cases3 and the prevalence of extrapulmonary
tuberculosis seems to be rising,
particularly due to increasing prevalence of
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).4
In patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis,
abdomen is involved in 12% of patients.5
Gastrointestinal involvement is found in 66–75%
of abdominal cases, with the terminal ileum and
the ileocecal region being the most common sites
of involvement.6 The symptoms of abdominal
tuberculosis are generally vague and nonspecific.
The disease can mimic various other
gastrointestinal disorders, particularly
inflammatory bowel disease, colonic malignancy,
or other gastrointestinal infections and can
challenge diagnostic skills. A high index of
suspicion therefore needs to be maintained for
an early diagnosis and timely treatment.