Tuberculosis of the large bowel. Report of two cases

Two patients with primary tuberculosis of the ileocecal region and transverse colon were thought to be Crohn's disease or carcinoma of the colon. No pathognomonic symptoms or roentgenographic findings were present, and the diagnosis was made on the basis of histopathological features including the presence of alcohol/acid fast bacilli. In one case human tubercle bacilli were cultured. The involved bowel segments were resected and the patients received antituberculous chemotherapy postoperatively. Although tuberculosis of the colon is very rare it should however be considered in cases of vague bowel dysfunction.