Isolated gastric tuberculosis masquerading as chronic peptic Ulcer: A case report

Abstract

Abdominal Tuberculosis (TB) most commonly affects ileo-caecal region. Isolated stomach involvement by TB, without pulmonary infection is rare. Clinical presentation of Stomach TB may be non-specific, radiological findings non-contributory and superficial endoscopic biopsies may not be able to settle the diagnosis. Many cases are diagnosed only after histopathological examination of surgical specimens. High degree of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis of gastric tuberculosis, if unnecessary surgical interventions are to be avoided. A young patient who was being treated as a case of chronic peptic ulcer for one year was referred for treatment of gastric outlet obstruction. Histopathological examination of gastrectomy specimen of the patient showed multiple caseating granulomas characteristic of tuberculosis and presence of acid-fast bacilli on Fite-Faraco staining, with no evidence of tuberculosis at pulmonary or other body sites. This case of isolated gastric TB is reported for its rarity.