Image case: Gastric tuberculosis

Abstract

35 years old male presented by recurrent hematemesis attacks and recurrent blood transfusion, no history of cough, with history of anti-tuberculosis therapy for pulmonary TB 2 years ago. General examination revealed pallor, emaciated, no lymphadenopathy, local examination showed epigastric tenderness and no organomegaly, and examination of other systems was unremarkable. Haemglobolin was 8 gm% (normocytic normochromic), chest X ray and abdominal ultrasound were free. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed ulcerated fundal mass. Endoscopic biopsies revealed caseating granulomas by histopathology examination. Discussion Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is a rare disease, presented mainly in the ileoceceal region. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the stomach is similar to gastric carcinoma manifestations. Gastric TB is mainly secondary to pulmonary TB. Antrum and prepyloric area is the most common sites affected. Gastric tuberculosis is mainly existed as ulcerative followed by hypertrophic lesions. GTB diagnosis can be established by detection of acid fast bacilli and/or caseating granuloma in gastric mucosa or submucosa. Chemotherapy is mainly give good results, while surgery may be needed in gastric outlet obstruction cases.