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[Complicated intestinal tuberculosis of the mesenteric root]
J B Wagner1, H R Nürnberger, K E Frede
1Departement Chirurgie, Universität Basel.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|May 16, 1997
Summary
A rare case of intestinal bleeding due to tuberculosis, initially misdiagnosed as a tumor, highlights diagnostic challenges. Prompt triple drug therapy led to complete recovery, emphasizing the importance of considering infectious causes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Recurrent intestinal bleeding and anemia in a 72-year-old male.
- Initial diagnostic tests failed to identify the source of bleeding over 2.5 years.
Observation:
- A diffusely infiltrating tumor was suspected during laparotomy, encasing the mesenteric vascular axis.
- Despite ileal resection, no intraoperative diagnosis was established.
- Endoscopies and imaging revealed bleeding and a mass at the mesenteric root.
Findings:
- A second laparotomy led to the diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis.
- Triple drug therapy was initiated for the tuberculosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic difficulties and delays when infiltrative lesions present with bleeding and stenosis.
- Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding and masses, even when malignancy is suspected.