Tuberculosis of rectum simulating malignancy and presenting as rectal prolapse - a case report and review

Tuberculosis of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) occurs as a primary lesion or secondary to a focus of tuberculosis elsewhere in the body, most commonly in the lungs. Tuberculosis can affect any part of the GIT from the oesophagus to the anal canal. Two main types are - the tuberculous ulcer and the rarer hypertrophic type which is generally found at the ileocecal junction, less commonly in the colon or rectum. Tuberculosis of bowel distal to ileocecal junction is rare and is seldom considered as a differential diagnosis of rectal stricture (2%). We report a case of rectal tuberculosis presenting with rectal prolapse and masquerading as malignancy, clinically, radiologically as well as on colonoscopy. The diagnosis was confirmed by repeated histopathological examination. The patient underwent definitive surgery along with anti-tuberculous therapy.