Primary gastroduodenal tuberculous infection presenting as pyloric outlet obstruction

Gastroduodenal tuberculosis occurs in underdeveloped areas and, although rarely, also in western countries, affecting mainly immigrants, immunodepressed, or low socioeconomic classes. We report a case of gastroduodenal tuberculosis presenting as pyloric outlet obstruction. We describe the clinical features and the diagnostic approach to the patient, emphasizing the role played by surgery in the diagnosis and treatment of the established complication. Developments are needed in the diagnostic area (video-laparoscopy, polymerase chain reaction of mycobacterial DNA) and in the mini-invasive treatment of obstructive complications (endoscopic balloon dilatation, video-laparoscopic surgery).