Intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease: the importance and difficulty of a differential diagnosis

Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2018 Oct;110(10):650-657. doi: 10.17235/reed.2018.5184/2017.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most prevalent infection worldwide and affects one third of the population, predominantly in developing countries. Intestinal TB (ITB) is the sixth most frequent extra-pulmonary TB infection. Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that arises from the interaction of immunological, environmental and genetic factors. Due to changes in the epidemiology of both diseases, distinguishing CD from ITB is a challenge, particularly in immunocompromised patients and those from areas where TB is endemic. Furthermore, both TB and CD have a predilection for the ileocecal area. In addition, they share very similar clinical, radiological and endoscopic findings. An incorrect diagnosis and treatment may increase morbidity and mortality. Thus, a great degree of caution is required as well as a familiarity with certain characteristics of the diseases, which will aid the differentiation between the two diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Crohn Disease / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / diagnosis*