Colonic tuberculosis mimicking Crohn's disease: case report.
BACKGROUND
Intestinal tuberculosis is a rare disease in western countries, affecting mainly immigrants and immunocompromised patients. Intestinal tuberculosis is a diagnostic challenge, especially when active pulmonary infection is absent. It may mimic many other abdominal diseases.


METHODS
Here, we report a case of isolated colonic tuberculosis where the initial diagnostic workup was suggestive of Crohn's disease. Computed tomography findings however, raised the possibility of colonic tuberculosis and the detection of acid-fast bacilli in biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, this case highlights the need for awareness of intestinal tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of chronic intestinal disease
Chatzicostas
Constantinos
C
Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Heraklion, Crete, Greece. matrix01gr@yahoo.gr
Koutroubakis
Ioannis E
IE
Tzardi
Maria
M
Roussomoustakaki
Maria
M
Prassopoulos
Panagiotis
P
Kouroumalis
Elias A
EA
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014385:Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / Q000175:diagnosis*