Differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease versus ileal tuberculosis

Abstract

Both intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease are chronic granulomatous inflammatory diseases of the bowel having overlap of clinical, endoscopic, radiological, and histological features. Differentiating between the two disorders is relevant not only in Asian countries but also in the West. In spite of diagnostic criteria for both diseases being available, still the dilemma of segregating the two diseases remains. Nearly one third of the patients with Crohn's disease may receive anti-tuberculosis treatment also. Diagnosis should be based on the combination of all disease-specific and corroborative evidences.