Colorectal tuberculosis

Eur Radiol. 2003 Aug;13(8):1907-12. doi: 10.1007/s00330-002-1409-z. Epub 2002 Aug 2.

Abstract

Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of colorectal tuberculosis in our series and to study its radiological spectrum. A total of 684 cases of proven gastrointestinal tuberculosis with positive barium contrast findings seen over a period of more than one decade were evaluated. The study did not include cases where colon was involved in direct contiguity with ileo-caecal tuberculosis. Seventy-four patients (10.8%) had colorectal tuberculosis. Commonest site involved was transverse colon, closely followed by rectum and ascending colon. Radiological findings observed were in the form of strictures (54%), colitis (39%) and polypoid lesions (7%). Complications noted were in the form of perforations and fistulae in 18.9% of cases. Colorectal tuberculosis is a very common site for gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Typical findings of colorectal tuberculosis are strictures, signs of colitis and polypoid lesions. Common complications are perforation and fistulae.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Barium Sulfate
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Colonic Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Contrast Media
  • Enema
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Rectal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Rectal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Barium Sulfate