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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

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Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD
Published on: February 1, 2012
Massive rectal bleeding due to ileal tuberculosis
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
Journal of Gastroenterology
|August 19, 1999
Summary
Massive rectal bleeding can rarely signal ileal tuberculosis. Diagnosis involved scintigraphy and surgery, revealing ulcers and granulomas in the small intestine.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Intestinal tuberculosis is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Rectal bleeding is a rare presenting symptom of intestinal tuberculosis, particularly when originating from the ileum.
Observation:
- A patient presented with massive rectal bleeding.
- Technetium-99m labelled red blood cell scintigraphy localized the hemorrhage to the ileum.
- Laparotomy revealed a 70-cm segment of ileum with ulcers and erosions.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the resected ileal segment showed epithelioid granulomas with Langhans-type giant cells, confirming ileal tuberculosis.
- The findings highlight a rare presentation of intestinal tuberculosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering intestinal tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained massive rectal bleeding.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for patients with intestinal tuberculosis presenting with severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
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