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Tuberculosis mimicking ileocecal intussusception in a 5-month-old girl

Jurriaan E M de Steenwinkel1, Gert-Jan A Driessen, Margreet H Kamphorst-Roemer

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, s-Gravendijkwal 230 (Room L327), 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.desteenwinkel@erasmusmc.nl

Pediatrics
|May 3, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculosis can mimic other conditions, presenting diagnostic challenges. This case highlights non-respiratory transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including congenital tuberculosis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in infants can be challenging, often mimicking other pediatric conditions.
  • Non-respiratory transmission routes for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are less commonly recognized but clinically significant.

Observation:

  • A 5-month-old infant presented with symptoms mimicking ileocecal intussusception, later diagnosed with tuberculosis.
  • The infant's mother was diagnosed with renal tuberculosis caused by the same Mtb strain.
  • Potential transmission routes identified include aspiration or ingestion of infected amniotic fluid or urine.

Findings:

  • The infant's TB diagnosis was complicated by its presentation, initially resembling intussusception.
  • Genetic analysis confirmed the same unique Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain in both mother and infant.
  • Non-respiratory transmission, possibly in utero or during birth, was strongly suggested.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering congenital tuberculosis and non-respiratory Mtb transmission in infant diagnoses.
  • Tuberculosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for infants presenting with non-specific or gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Further research into non-respiratory Mtb transmission is warranted to improve early diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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