Evaluation of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay Testing and Tuberculin Skin Test for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. Method: This study included 581 children and adolescents aged 4 - 19 years who were suspected of having tuberculosis, were latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and had received at least one dose of BCG vaccine between April 17, 2019, and February 24, 2021. The study evaluated the TST results of 106 patients who had a positive Quantiferon test and were suspected of having tuberculosis. Results: The study included 581 patients aged between 4 and 19 years. Of these, 106 patients tested positive for the Quantiferon test, while 19 were indeterminate and 456 were negative. The Quantiferon test positivity rate was 18.24%. Among the 106 QFT-Plus-positive cases, 23 patients also tested positive for TST. The difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The QFT-Plus test is considered an alternative to TST and other microbiological diagnostic methods for early tuberculosis diagnosis, particularly in children and adolescents.

Differential diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis based on ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with machine learning

BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease(CD)is often misdiagnosed as intestinal tuberculosis(ITB).However,the treatment and prognosis of these two diseases are dramatically different.Therefore,it is important to develop a method to identify CD and ITB with high accuracy,specificity,and speed.AIM To develop a method to identify CD and ITB with high accuracy,specificity,and speed.METHODS A total of 72 paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections were pathologically and clinically diagnosed as CD or ITB.Paraffin wax-embedded tissue sections were attached to a metal coating and measured using attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at mid-infrared wavelengths combined with XGBoost for differential diagnosis.RESULTS The results showed that the paraffin wax-embedded specimens of CD and ITB were significantly different in their spectral signals at 1074 cm^(-1) and 1234 cm^(-1) bands,and the differential diagnosis model based on spectral characteristics combined with machine learning showed accuracy,specificity,and sensitivity of 91.84%,92.59%,and 90.90%,respectively,for the differential diagnosis of CD and ITB.CONCLUSION Information on the mid-infrared region can reveal the different histological components of CD and ITB at the molecular level,and spectral analysis combined with machine learning to establish a diagnostic model is expected to become a new method for the differential diagnosis of CD and ITB.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among children under fifteen years of age:A population-based study in Indonesia

Objective:To assess the prevalence of Mycobacterium(M.)tuberculosis infection and its associated risks in children under fifteen years of age.Methods:Based on secondary data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Survey(RISKESDAS 2018),this cross-sectional study employed M.tuberculosis infection in children as a dependent variable and age level,sex,region,location,family case positive,and smoking as independent variables.Geospatial analysis was applied to show the prevalence of M.tuberculosis infection and multivariate regression was performed to analyze the risk factors of getting the infection among children under 15 years of age.Results:Prevalence ranges of M.tuberculosis infection among children aged 0-14 years,babies(age<12 months),toddlers(age 12-59 months),and children aged between 5 and 14 years were 0.03%to 0.57%,0%to 0.64%,0%to 0.78%,and 0.01%to 0.53%,respectively in Indonesia.A high prevalence of M.tuberculosis infection among children under 15 years of age was found in Papua and other provinces,such as Kalimantan and Java.Contacting with tuberculosis family members was positively associated with M.tuberculosis infection in children as shown by multivariate logistic regression(OR 8.94;95%CI 5.4-14.6,P<0.05).Conclusions:Contacting with family member who has tuberculosis is related with M.tuberculosis infection among children in Indonesia.Therefore,screening the household for contact with tuberculosis patients is a preventive treatment for children.

Particularities of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease in Senegal

Introduction: Tuberculosis and sickle cell disease are one of the main global health priorities particularly in Africa. We aimed to determine the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of tuberculosis in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Patients and methods: Patients aged 0 - 20 years with sickle cell anemia presented with tuberculosis at the Centre Hospitalier National d’Enfants Albert Royer (CHNEAR), Dakar, Senegal were included in the study. Medical history, risk factors, clinical, bacteriological, and outcome data was collected. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software, version 16. Results: A total of 25 cases of tuberculosis were documented from January 1st, 1991 to December 31st, 2019 (hospital prevalence: 0.97%). Mean age was 12.5 years. The sex ratio was 1.5 (15 girls and 10 boys). Pulmonary tuberculosis in 14 cases was the most frequent followed by lymph nodes in 7 cases involvement and Pott’s disease in 4 cases. In 5 patients Tb was multifocal. Mean duration of treatment was 8.27 months (6 to 12 months). Outcome was good on antituberculosis treatment. None patient died. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with sickle cell disease can be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pulmonary tuberculosis, lymph nodes and bone involvement are the most frequent localizations. Outcome is good on antituberculosis treatment.

Clinical Value of Molecular Biological Methods in Respiratory Tuberculosis in Children

The pattern of clinical forms of respiratory tuberculosis in children shows a preponderance of intrathoracic lymph node tuberculosis （89.4%） that is characterized by a complicated process in every third child under present-day conditions. Positive result of PCR closely correlates with the severity and extent of the specific process in children. Real-time PCR （RT-PCR） was ascertain to exhibit the highest sensitivity in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in children with primary generalized tuberculosis （62.5%） and in those with a disseminated specific process （55.6%）, which was much higher than conventional bacteriological study of diagnostic materials. By taking into account the findings, the RT-PCR detection of M. tuberculosis was considered as a substantial criterion for evaluating the magnitude of specific changes and the degree of tuberculosis infection activity in children.

Efficacy of Fixed-Dose Drugs in Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Children

The main problem in treatment of children with various forms of tuberculosis is the lack of pediatric dosages of anti-TB drugs. The aim of the study is to determine efficacy of the 〈Isoniazid 150 mg＋Pyrazinamid 375 mg＋Rifampicin 150 mg〉 （Ftizamax ） fixed-dose combination. We estimated the clinical, radiological and laboratory parameters during treatment of 73 children with pulmonary tuberculosis, of which 34 children were treated by the 〈Isoniazid 150 mg＋Pyrazinamid 375 mg＋Rifampicin 150 mg〉 in combination with the Ethambutol; while the others were treated with mono-drugs under the standard regimen I. Effective use of 〈Isoniazid 150 mg＋Pyrazinamid 375 mg＋Rifampicin 150 mg〉 （Ftizamax ） for children is supported by positive results towards the end of the intensive phase of the therapy and the continuation phase, as well as by minimized adverse drug reactions during treatment. Combination of active substances in the drug and its dosage is easy to use, which allows recommending this drug for treatment of tuberculosis in children.

Study of Tuberculosis in Children Aged 1 Month to 15 Years in the Pediatric Ward of the Hospital of Mali 2015-2021

Introduction: In 2020, an estimated 9.9 million people are living with tuberculosis worldwide, including 1.1 million children. Tuberculosis is the 2nd leading cause of death from infectious disease after COVID-19 and the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. Objective: To collect cases of tuberculosis in children aged 1 month to 15 years in order to study the epidemio-clinical aspects in the pediatric department of the Mali Hospital during the period 2015-2021. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective study from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, and a prospective study from January 1 to December 31, 2021, among children aged 1 month to 15 years admitted for suspected tuberculosis in the pediatric ward of the Mali Hospital. Results: From January 2015 to December 2021, we collected 69 cases of tuberculosis among 9438 hospitalized children, i.e. a frequency of 0.73%. The average age was 6.16 years with extremes of 3 months and 15 years. The sex ratio was 1.1% in favor of boys. The majority of children were vaccinated against tuberculosis (88.4%). The most frequent symptoms were fever (76.8%) and weight loss (73.9%). The pulmonary form was the most frequent (54.9%). Bacteriological confirmation was done in 43.5% of our children. It was Mycobacterium tuberculosis in all confirmed cases. More than half of our children (65.2%) were treated with first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs for 6 months. We observed a cure in 42.0% of our patients and a case fatality rate of 39.1%. Conclusion: Tuberculosis in children is frequent in Mali Hospital despite good BCG vaccination coverage. Its mortality remains high and is maintained by malnutrition, HIV, and the emergence of resistant strains of bacilli.

Effectiveness of interferon-gamma release assays for differentiating intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn's disease:A meta-analysis

AIM:To investigate the clinical usefulness of interferon-gamma release assays(IGRAs)in the differential diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis(ITB)from Crohn’s disease(CD)by meta-analysis.METHODS:A systematic search of English language studies was performed.We searched the following databases:Medline,Embase,Web of Science and the Cochrane Library.The Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy initiative and Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy tool were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.Sensitivity,specificity,and other measures of the accuracy of IGRAs in the differential diagnosis of ITB from CD were pooled and analyzed using random-effects models.Receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to summarize overall test performance.Two reviewers independently judged study eligibility while screening the citations.RESULTS:Five studies met the inclusion criteria.The average inter-rater agreement between the two reviewers for items in the quality checklist was 0.95.Analysis of IGRAs for the differential diagnosis of ITB from CD produced summary estimates as follows:sensitivity,0.74(95%CI:0.68-0.80);specificity,0.87(95%CI:0.82-0.90);positive likelihood ratio,5.98(95%CI:3.79-9.43);negative likelihood ratio,0.28(95%CI:0.18-0.43);and diagnostic odds ratio,26.21(95%CI:14.15-48.57).The area under the curve was 0.92.The evaluation of publication bias was not significant(P=0.235).CONCLUSION:Although IGRAs are not sensitive enough,they provide good specificity for the accurate diagnosis of ITB,which may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of ITB from CD.

Diagnosis of Crohn's disease in India where tuberculosis is widely prevalent

AIM:To define the parameters that positively predict diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) and differentiate it from gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB). METHODS:This prospective study over 3 years was carried out in the consecutive Indian patients with definite diagnosis of CD and equal numbers of patients with definite diagnosis of GITB. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, morphological and histological features were noted in all the patients. Serological tests such as p-ANCA, c-ANCA, IgA ASCA and IgG ASCA, were performed. Endoscopic biopsy and/or surgical tissue specimens were subjected to smear and culture for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and tissue polymerase chain reaction for tuberculosis (TB PCR). Diagnosis of CD and GITB was based on the standard criteria. Data were analyzed using univariate Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression (MLR). RESULTS:The study is comprised of 26 patients with CD (age 36.6 ± 8.6 year, male:female, 16:10) and 26 patients with GITB (age 37.2 ± 9.6 year, male:female, 15:11). The following clinical variables between the two groups (CD vs TB) were significant in univariate analysis:duration of symptoms (58.1 ± 9.8 vs 7.2 ± 3.4 mo), diarrhoea (69.2% vs 34.6%), bleeding per rectum (30.7% vs 3.8%), fever (23.1% vs 69.2%), ascites (7.7% vs 34.6%) and extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (61.5% vs 23.1%). Of these, all except ascites and extra-colonic manifestations were found statistically significant by MLR. Accuracy of predicting CD was 84.62% based on the fever, bleeding P/R, diarrhoea and duration of symptoms while it was 63.4% when histology was reported as inflammatory bowel disease and 42.3% when there was recurrence of disease after surgery. Accuracy of predicting GITB was 73.1% when there was co-existing pulmonary lesions and/or abdominal lymphadenopathy;75% when tuberculosis was reported in histology;63.4% when granuloma was found in histology;82.6% when TB PCR was positive;and 61.5% when smear and/ or culture was positive for AFB. Serological test was not useful in differentiation of CD from GITB. Positivity rates for CD and GITB were:p-ANCA-3.8% and 3.8%, c-ANCA-3.8% and 0%, IgA ASCA-38.4% and 23.1%, and IgG ASCA-38.4% and 42.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION:Simple clinical parameters like fever, bleeding P/R, diarrhoea and duration of symptoms have the highest accuracy in differentiating CD from GITB.

Histopathology and TB-PCR kit analysis in differentiating the diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease

AIM: To compare the histopathologic features of intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) and Crohn’s disease (CD) and to identify whether polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB-PCR) would be helpful for differential diagnosis between ITB and CD.METHODS: We selected 97 patients with established diagnoses (55 cases of ITB and 42 cases of CD) who underwent colonoscopic biopsies.Microscopic features of ITB and CD were reviewed,and eight pathologic parameters were evaluated.Nine cases of acid fast bacilli culture-positive specimens and 10 normal colonic tissue specimens were evaluated as the positive and negative control of the TB-PCR test,respectively.PCR assays were done using two commercial kits: kit <A> detected IS6110 and MPB64,and kit <B> detected IS6110 only;a manual in-house PCR method was also performed on formalin-fi xed,paraffi n-embedded colonoscopic biopsy specimens.RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were noted between ITB and CD with regard histopathologic criteria: size of granulomas (P = 0.000),giant cells (P = 0.015),caseation necrosis (P = 0.003),confluent granulomas (P = 0.001),discrete granulomas (P = 0.000),and granulomas with lymphoid cuffs (P = 0.037).However,29 cases (52.7%) of ITB showed less than fi ve kinds of pathologic parameters,resulting in confusion with CD.The sensitivities and specificities of the TB-PCR test by kit <A>,kit <B>,and the in-house PCR method were 88.9% and 100%,88.9% and 100%,and 66.7% and 100% in positive and negative controls,respectively.The PCR test done on endoscopic biopsy specimens of ITB and CD were signifi cantly different with kit <A> (P = 0.000) and kit <B> (P = 0.000).The sensitivities and specifi cities of TB-PCR were 45.5% and 88.1%,36.4% and 100%,and 5.8% and 100%,for kit <A> and kit <B> and inhouse PCR method on endoscopic biopsy specimens.Among the 29 cases of histopathologically confusing CD,10 cases assayed using kit <A> and 6 cases assayed using kit <B> were TB-PCR positive.A combination of histologic fi ndings and TB-PCR testing led to an increase of diagnostic sensitivity and the increase (from 47.3% to 58.2) was statistically signifi cant with kit <B> (P = 0.000).CONCLUSION: The TB-PCR test combined with histopathologic factors appears to be a helpful technique in formulating the differential diagnosis of ITB and CD in endoscopic biopsy samples.

Differences in clinical features of Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis

AIM: To investigate the clinical features of Crohn's disease(CD) and intestinal tuberculosis(ITB) with a scoring system that we have developed.METHODS: A total of 25 CD and 40 ITB patients were prospectively enrolled from August 2011 to July 2012.Their characteristics and clinical features were recorded. Laboratory, endoscopic, histologic and radiographic features were determined. The features with a high specificity were selected to establish a scoring system. The features supporting CD scored +1, and those supporting ITB scored-1; each patient received a final total score. A receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to determine the best cut-off value for distinguishing CD from ITB.RESULTS: Based on a high specificity of differentiating between CD and ITB, 12 features, including longitudinal ulcers, nodular hyperplasia, cobblestone-like mucosa, intestinal diseases, intestinal fistula, the target sign, the comb sign, night sweats, the purified protein derivative test, the interferon-γ release assay(T-SPOT.TB), ring ulcers and ulcer scars, were selected for the scoring system. The results showed that the average total score of the CD group was 3.12 ± 1.740, the average total score of the ITB group was-2.58 ± 0.984, the best cutoff value for the ROC curve was-0.5, and the diagnostic area under the curve was 0.997, which was statistically significant(P < 0.001). The patients whose total scores were higher than-0.5 were diagnosed with CD; otherwise, patients were diagnosed with ITB. Overall, the diagnostic accuracy rate and misdiagnosis rate of this scoring system were 97% and 3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Some clinical features are valuable for CD and ITB diagnosis. The described scoring system is key to differentiating between CD and ITB.

Differentiation of Crohn’s disease from intestinal tuberculosis in India in 2010

Differentiating intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease (CD) is an important clinical challenge of considerable therapeutic significance. The problem is of greatest magnitude in countries where tuberculosis continues to be highly prevalent, and where the incidence of CD is increasing. The final clinical diagnosis is based on a combination of the clinical history with endoscopic studies, culture and polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, biopsy pathology, radiological investigations and response to therapy. In a subset of patients, surgery is required and intraoperative findings with pathological study of the resected bowel provide a definitive diagnosis. Awareness of the parameters useful in distinguishing these two disorders in each of the different diagnostic modalities is crucial to accurate decision making. Newer techniques, such as capsule endoscopy, small bowel enteroscopy and immunological assays for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, have a role to play in the differentiation of intestinal tuberculosis and CD. This review presents currently available evidence regarding the usefulness and limitations of all these different modalities available for the evaluation of these two disorders.

Efficacy of thalidomide therapy in pediatric Crohn's disease with evidence of tuberculosis

AIM To evaluate the efficacy of thalidomide for treating troublesome cases of pediatric Crohn's disease(CD) with tuberculosis infection.METHODS A retrospective study of clinical outcome among children treated with thalidomide was conducted. All patients had evidence of tuberculosis infection with a failure of anti-tuberculosis treatment for more than one year,and were subsequently diagnosed with CD. All the patients received thalidomide treatment with a starting dose of 1.2-2.5 mg/kg per day. Remission was defined as pediatric CD activity index less than or equal to 10.RESULTS Ten patients with CD were treated with thalidomide at an average age of 7.2 years and followed up for a median of 22.2 mo. Clinical remission rate was 60% after 9-12 mo of thalidomide treatment. One patient with no response had an interleukin-10 receptor alpha gene mutation. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate,C-reactive protein and platelet count showed a dramatic decrease; hemoglobin level and weight improved significantly after thalidomide treatment when compared with the baseline values.CONCLUSION Thalidomide is an effective and safe drug for remission of CD in pediatric patients who have been treated for tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis of the spine

Pott’s spine,commonly known as spinal tuberculosis(TB),is an extrapulmonary form of TB caused by Mycobacterium TB.Pott’s paraplegia occurs when the spine is involved.Spinal TB is usually caused by the hematogenous spread of infection from a central focus,which can be in the lungs or another location.Spinal TB is distinguished by intervertebral disc involvement caused by the same segmental arterial supply,which can result in severe morbidity even after years of approved therapy.Neurological impairments and spine deformities are caused by progressive damage to the anterior vertebral body.The clinical,radiographic,microbiological,and histological data are used to make the diagnosis of spinal TB.In Pott’s spine,combination multidrug antitubercular therapy is the basis of treatment.The recent appearance of multidrug-resistant/extremely drug-resistant TB and the growth of human immunodeficiency virus infection have presented significant challenges in the battle against TB infection.Patients who come with significant kyphosis or neurological impairments are the only ones who require surgical care.Debride-ment,fusion stabilization,and correction of spinal deformity are the cornerstones of surgical treatment.Clinical results for the treatment of spinal TB are generally quite good with adequate and prompt care.

Pediatric vs adult pulmonary tuberculosis:A retrospective computed tomography study

AIM: To compare the manifestations of chest tuberculosis(TB) in pediatric and adult patients based on contrast enhanced computed tomography of chest.METHODS: This was a retrospective study consisting of 152 patients of chest TB including 48 children and 104 adults who had undergone contrast enhanced computed tomography of chest prior to treatment. The patterns and severity of parenchymal, mediastinal and pleural manifestations were analyzed and compared among different age groups.RESULTS: Parenchymal changes observed include consolidation, air space nodules, miliary TB, cavitation, bronchiectasis and fibrosis and these were noted in 60% of children, 71% of adolescents and 76.9% of adults. These changes were more common in right upper lobe in all age groups. There was no significant difference in the frequency of these changes(except nodules) in different age groups. Centrilobular nodules were seen less commonly in children less than 10 years(P = 0.028). Pleural effusion was noted in 28(18.42%) patients and pericardial effusion in 8(5.3%) patients. No significant difference in the serosal involvement is seen among children and adults. Mediastinal adenopathy was seen 70% of children, 76.3% adolescents and 76.9% of adults and paratracheal nodes were seen most frequently. Nodes had similar features(except matting) among all age groups. Matting of nodes was seen more commonly in children(P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Pediatric chest tuberculosis can have severe parenchymal lesions and nodal involvement similar to adults. The destructive lung changes observed in children needs immediate attention in view of the longer life span they have and hence in formulating optimal treatment strategies.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the association of tuberculosis in Crohn's disease patients treated with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors(Anti-TNFα)

AIM To perform a meta-analysis on the risk of developing Mycobacterium tuberculosis(TB) infection in Crohn's disease(CD) patients treated with tumor necrosis factoralpha(TNFα) inhibitors.METHODS A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trials of TNFα inhibitors for treatment of CD in adults was conducted. Arcsine transformation of TB incidence was performed to estimate risk difference. A novel epidemiologically-based correction(EBC) enabling inclusions of studies reporting no TB infection cases in placebo and treatment groups was developed to estimate relative odds.RESULTS Twenty-three clinical trial studies were identified, including 5669 patients. Six TB infection cases were reported across 5 studies, all from patients receiving TNFα inhibitors. Eighteen studies reported no TB infection cases in placebo and TNFα inhibitor treatment arms. TB infection risk was significantly increased among patients receiving TNFα inhibitors, with a risk difference of 0.028(95%CI: 0.0011-0.055). The odds ratio was 4.85(95%CI: 1.02-22.99) with EBC and 5.85(95%CI: 1.13-30.38) without EBC.CONCLUSION The risk of TB infection is higher among CD patients receiving TNFα inhibitors. Understanding the immunopathogenesis of CD is crucial, since using TNFα inhibitors in these patients could favor mycobacterial infections, particularly Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, which ultimately could worsen their clinical condition.

Temporal trends in the misdiagnosis rates between Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis

AIM To investigate the temporal trends in the misdiagnosis rate between Crohn's disease(CD) and intestinal tuberculosis(ITB) in South Korea. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients managed for CD or ITB at Asan Medical Center, a tertiary referral hospital, Seoul, Korea between 1996 and 2014. The temporal trends in the misdiagnosis rates between the two diseases were analyzed. The demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between CD patients who were initially misdiagnosed as ITB(final CD group) and vice versa(final ITB group). Final diagnostic criteria for ITB and medication for CD before definite diagnosis of TB were also analyzed in final ITB group.RESULTS In total, 2760 patients were managed for CD and 772 patients for ITB between 1996 and 2014. As well, 494 of the 2760 CD patients(17.9%) were initially misdiagnosed as ITB and 83 of the 772 ITB patients(10.8%) as CD. The temporal trend in misdiagnosing CD as ITB showed a decrease(OR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.87-0.91, P < 0.001), whereas the temporal trend in misdiagnosing ITB as CD showed an increase(OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.11, P = 0.013). Age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, and proportion of patients with active/past perianal fistula and active/inactive pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) were significantly different between final CD group and final ITB group. Forty patients(48.2%) in final ITB group were diagnosed by favorable response to empirical anti-TB treatment. Seventeen patients(20.5%) in final ITB group had inappropriately received corticosteroids and/or thiopurines due to misdiagnosis as CD. However, there were no mortalities in both groups. CONCLUSION Cases of CD misdiagnosed as ITB have been decreasing, whereas cases of ITB misdiagnosed as CD have been increasing over the past two decades.

Isolated Pancreatic Tuberculosis in Non-immunocompromised Patient Treated by Whipple's Procedure:a Case Report

PANCREATIC tuberculosis(TB)is a rare disease and its diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific clinical manifestations.Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)have some diagnostic values in this disease,but it is easy to misdiagnose pancreatic TB as a pancreatic tumor.1 In this article,we present a case of non-immunocompromised patient developing an isolated pancreatic TB,report the CT and MRI findings,and the surgical procedure for it.

Tuberculosis terminal ileitis:A forgotten entity mimicking Crohn's disease

Intestinal tuberculosis(TB) is an uncommon lesion for which differential diagnosis can be difficult. We present a case of a 53-year-old male and a systematic review of the literature, from clinical symptoms to differential diagnosis, unusual complications and therapy. The patient was admitted to the hospital with signs of acute abdomen as a result of a perforated terminal ileitis. Based on the skip lesions of the terminal ileum and cecum, Crohn's disease(CD) was clinically suspected. An emergency laparotomy and right colectomy with terminal ileum resection was performed and systematic antibiotherapy was prescribed. The patient's status deteriorated and he died 4 d after the surgical intervention. At the autopsy, TB ileotyphlitis was discovered. The clinical criteria of the differential diagnosis between intestinal TB and CD are not very well established. Despite the large amount of published articles on this subject, only 50 papers present new data regarding intestinal TB. Based on these studies and our experience, we present an update focused on the differential diagnosis and therapy of intestinal TB. We highlight the importance of considering intestinal TB as a differential diagnosis for inflammatory bowel disease. Despite the modern techniques of diagnosis and therapy, the fulminant evolution of TB can still lead to a patient's death.

Appendicitis combined with Meckel’s diverticulum obstruction, perforation, and inflammation in children: Three case reports

BACKGROUND Meckel’s diverticulum is a common congenital malformation of the small intestine,with the three most common complications being obstruction,per-foration,and inflammation.To date,only a few cases have been reported world-wide.In children,the clinical symptoms are similar to appendicitis.As most of the imaging features are nonspecific,the preoperative diagnosis is not precise.In addition,the clinical characteristics are highly similar to pediatric acute appendicitis,thus special attention is necessary to distinguish Meckel’s diver-ticulum from pediatric appendicitis.Patients with poor disease control should undergo laparoscopic exploration to avoid serious complications,including intestinal necrosis,intestinal perforation and gastrointestinal bleeding.CASE SUMMARY This report presents three cases of appendicitis in children combined with intestinal obstruction,which was caused by fibrous bands(ligaments)arising from the top part of Meckel's diverticulum,diverticular perforation,and diver-ticular inflammation.All three patients,aged 11-12 years,had acute appendicitis as their initial clinical presentation.All were treated by laparoscopic surgery with a favorable outcome.A complete dataset including clinical presentation,dia-gnostic imaging,surgical information,and histopathologic findings was also provided.CONCLUSION Preoperative diagnosis of Meckel’s diverticulum and its complications is challenging because its clinical signs and complications are similar to those of appendicitis in children.Laparoscopy combined with laparotomy is useful for diagnosis and treatment.