Kudu E, Danış F. Recognizing and addressing the challenges of gastrointestinal tuberculosis. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12(19): 3648-3653 [PMID: 38994296 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i19.3648]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Emre Kudu, MD, Attending Doctor, Junior Editor, Emergency Medicine, Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Fevzi Çakmak, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Cd 10, İstanbul 34899, Türkiye. dr.emre.kudu@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Infectious Diseases
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Clin Cases. Jul 6, 2024; 12(19): 3648-3653 Published online Jul 6, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i19.3648
Recognizing and addressing the challenges of gastrointestinal tuberculosis
Emre Kudu, Faruk Danış
Emre Kudu, Emergency Medicine, Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul 34899, Türkiye
Faruk Danış, Emergency Medicine, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Medical School, Bolu 14000, Türkiye
Author contributions: Kudu E designed the overall concept, outline, and design of the manuscript; Danış F contributed to the discussion, writing, editing of the manuscript, and review of the literature. All authors approved the final version to be published.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Emre Kudu, MD, Attending Doctor, Junior Editor, Emergency Medicine, Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Fevzi Çakmak, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Cd 10, İstanbul 34899, Türkiye. dr.emre.kudu@gmail.com
Received: March 4, 2024 Revised: April 19, 2024 Accepted: May 9, 2024 Published online: July 6, 2024 Processing time: 117 Days and 1.6 Hours
Abstract
In this editorial, we comment on the article by Ali et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases. This case report shed light on a particularly rare manifestation of this disease-primary gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GTB) presenting as gastric outlet obstruction. GTB presents diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms and lack of highly accurate diagnostic algorithms. This editorial synthesizes epidemiological data, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and therapies to raise awareness about GTB. GTB constitutes 1%-3% of all tuberculosis cases globally, with 6%-38% of patients also having pulmonary tuberculosis. Pathogenesis involves various modes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex entry into the gastrointestinal system, with the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve commonly affected. Clinical presentation varies, often resembling other intra-abdominal pathologies, necessitating a high index of suspicion. Diagnostic tools include a combination of biochemical, microbiological, radiological, and endoscopic assessments. Anti-tubercular medication remains the cornerstone of treatment, supplemented by surgical intervention in severe cases. Multidisciplinary management involving gastroenterologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, and infectious disease specialists is crucial for optimal outcomes. Despite advancements, timely diagnosis and management challenges persist, underscoring the need for continued research and collaboration in addressing primary GTB.
Core Tip: Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GTB) poses diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and lack of definitive tests. This editorial synthesizes epidemiological data, clinical challenges, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches for GTB management. Despite advancements, delays in diagnosis lead to complications, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, surgeons, and infectious disease specialists. Improved understanding and collaboration are essential for timely diagnosis and optimal treatment outcomes in primary GTB cases.
