Korean J Gastroenterol.  2009 Mar;53(3):177-186.

Diagnostic Guideline of Intestinal Tuberculosis

• Kim YS
• Kim YH
• Lee KM
• Kim JS
• Park YS
• IBD Study Group of the Korean Association of the Study of Intestinal Diseases

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a still prevalent and important disease entity in Korea. TB can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, and intestinal TB is an important disease of extra-pulmonary TB. The diagnosis of intestinal TB remains a challenge because the signs and symptoms are nonspecific. It should be differentiated from the inflammatory bowel diseases and malignancies, especially Crohn's disease. The diagnosis of intestinal TB should be based on careful clinical evaluation, such as extra-intestinal signs, colonoscopic and histologic evaluation. Newer techniques such as PCR method or test for the diagnosis of latent TB (Interferon-gammaassay) may be helpful. In addition, a high index of suspicion must be kept in mind to ensure a timely diagnosis. Herein, IBD Study Group of the KASID proposes a diagnostic guideline based on currently available evidence and experience, especially those of Korea. We also propose the test which may be helpful to establish the proper diagnosis of intestinal TB.

Keyword

Tuberculosis; Gastrointestinal; Diagnosis; Guideline

MeSH Terms

Blood Chemical Analysis
Colonoscopy
Diagnostic Imaging
Humans
Interferon-gamma/analysis
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal/*diagnosis/pathology