CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR SUSPECTED ILEOCAECAL TUBERCULOSIS

Authors

  • Salim Afzal
  • Iftikhar Qayum
  • Iftikhar Ahmad
  • Salma Kundi

Abstract

Background: Ileocecal Tuberculosis (TB) is difficult to diagnose clinically as getting histologicalspecimens means resorting to surgery, which is often hazardous and complicated in sick, anemicand emaciated patients with malabsortion syndrome. The present study was undertaken as anattempt to devise clinical criteria for diagnosis of ileocecal TB without resorting to invasivesurgery. Methodology: 52 patients with suspected ileocecal TB were assigned pre-determinedcriteria based on clinical signs, symptoms and simple laboratory investigations. Criteria forexclusion were also devised; patients were followed up for an average of 1.1 years. Clinicalresponse was assessed by complete resolution of symptoms and signs within 3 months.Results: All 52 patients completed the study and all became symptom free within 3 months oftreatment. All patients gained a minimal of 2 kg over 6 weeks and 32 patients gained more than10% of body weight within 3 months; the difference in mean weights before and after 3 monthstreatment was highly significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: In patients with suspected ileocecaltuberculosis, predetermined clinical criteria can be readily applied for early diagnosis, withoutresorting to surgery and with excellent clinical response.

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