Diagnosis of regional enrteritis (Crohn disease)

Regional enteritis (Crohn disease) may present a diagnostic problem that needs to be solved by clinicians practicing in areas known to be endemic for tuberculosis. The similarity in clinical presentation between the two disorders makes it difficult to reach a diagnosis. Furthermore, the use of steroids in treating patients with Crohn disease may be harmful if the underlying diagnosis is Tuberculosis. This article is aimed to help physicians to distinguish Crohn disease from intestinal Tuberculosis. The treating physician would be able to use and interpret different diagnostic modalities tailored to the history and physical examination. The use of ASCA, a new serological marker, in the diagnosis of Crohn disease may facilitate the management of such patients.