Choledocho-duodenal fistula due to tuberculosis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) can manifest with diverse extrapulmonary presentations.
• Biliary fistulas are uncommon complications, particularly those arising from nodal tuberculosis.

Observation:

• A unique case involving caseating nodal tuberculosis leading to a choledocho-duodenal fistula is presented.
• The fistula connected the common bile duct directly to the duodenum.

Findings:

• Anti-tubercular therapy was initiated for the diagnosed tuberculosis.
• Successful treatment resulted in the complete closure of the choledocho-duodenal fistula.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of biliary fistulas.
• Effective management of the underlying tuberculosis can resolve such rare gastrointestinal complications.
• Further research into the mechanisms of TB-induced fistula formation may be warranted.