Esophageal tuberculosis mimicking submucosal tumor

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Esophageal tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
• Primary esophageal TB, without evidence of disease elsewhere, is exceptionally rare.
• Symptoms can be nonspecific, leading to diagnostic delays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a unique case of primary esophageal tuberculosis.
• To illustrate how esophageal TB can mimic a submucosal tumor.
• To review current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for esophageal TB.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of diagnostic modalities including imaging and biopsy.
• Literature review of esophageal TB cases and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a submucosal esophageal mass.
• Diagnostic workup confirmed primary esophageal TB.
• Successful treatment with anti-tuberculosis medication was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Esophageal TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of esophageal lesions, especially in endemic areas.
• Accurate diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and appropriate investigations.
• Prompt treatment is crucial for favorable outcomes in esophageal TB.