Segmental Tuberculosis of the Colon Diagnosed by Colonoscopy

Summary

We describe the case of a woman with rectorhagia and rectal tenesmus. Colonoscopy revealed a 3-4 cm-long ulcerated lesion with a reduced colon lumen 35 cm from the anus, and multiple biopsies were obtained from the ulcerated region, but histopathology was non-specific. Biopsy culture was positive for M. tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculous chemotherapy was initiated on the diagnosis of segmental tuberculosis of the colon. Subsequent evolution was favorable, both clinically and endoscopically. Emphasis is placed on the importance of colonoscopy and biopsy in the diagnosis of tuberculosis of the colon.

Key words:

Segmental colonic tuberculosis - Colonoscopy - Biopsy