| Theme | Infectious diseases of the intestine | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Front line of intestinal tuberculosis | |
| Publish Date | 2019/04 | |
| Author | Hiroyuki Kobayashi | Division of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology, Fukuoka Sanno Hospital |
| Author | Koichi Kurahara | Division of Gastroenterology, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Although tuberculosis patients in Japan are decreasing in number, over 200 cases of intestinal tuberculosis occur every year. Recently, secondary intestinal tuberculosis related to pulmonary tuberculosis has been increasing. Intestinal tuberculosis is often found in the ileo-ceacal site and forms variegated ulcerous lesions and intestinal deformity. The most specific finding is atrophic mucosal areas with ulcer induced scars. Although it is useful to diagnose intestinal tuberculosis with genetic screening (PCR) and cultivation (MGIT method) of a biopsy specimen and interferon-gamma release assay, the confirmed diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis is difficult. In recent years, great attention has been given to the onset of tuberculosis induced by anti-TNF-α antibody therapeutic agents treated with rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease. Therefore, the use of diagnostic imaging, such as barium enema and colonoscopy, is important. |
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