Intestinal Tuberculosis with Small Bowel Perforation in a Patient with AIDS: A Case Report

Abstract

Tuberculosis is an infection that continues to be a global health problem, mainly in underdeveloped countries. Intestinal presentation is rare but increases in immunocompromised patients. Its symptoms are variable and can mimic chronic inflammatory diseases, leading to a difficult initial diagnosis, complications, and increased mortality. We present the case of a young and recently diagnosed HIV patient with chronic and nonspecific condition of diarrhea and abdominal pain, which was complicated by intestinal perforation triggered by an extrapulmonary infection and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It was resolved by surgery, leading to a pathological diagnosis by biopsy, followed by effective antibiotic treatment.