Intestinal tuberculosis: a diagnostically-challenging case misdiagnosed as Crohn's disease at colorectal biopsy

Abstract

The clinical presentation of two different digestive diseases such as Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis may be so similar to induce a delay in correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment (immune suppression versus antibiotic therapy). Herein, we describe the case of a young man from Eastern Europe who came to our observation complaining of clinical symptoms initially misdiagnosed as an inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to keep in mind the possibility of an active tubercular disease, particularly in patients coming from countries endemic for the disease. Morphological findings of sarcoid-like granulomas at biopsy is not enough for a conclusive diagnosis of Crohn's disease, and tuberculosis should be ruled out on the basis of clinical information, laboratory tests and radiological imaging.