TB Research

Esophageal Tuberculosis as a Rare Cause of Dysphagia: Case Report

Billy Zhao, Hyun Jae Kim, Jessica Farrell, Wei Xiong, Jennifer J. Telford, Sarvee Moosavi

Case Reports in Gastroenterology · 2024-08

Abstract

Introduction: The esophagus and duodenum are rare sites of manifestation for extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Its rarity makes the diagnosis challenging, especially when no other organ is involved, and the endoscopic findings may resemble malignancy. Case Presentation: We report a unique case of a 37-year-old woman who presented with dysphagia secondary to esophageal TB with an endoscopic appearance of a submucosal mass resembling malignancy. Conclusion: Esophageal TB is a rare cause of dysphagia, especially in a western setting. It should always be considered as a potential etiology in patients with dysphagia.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Dysphagia
  • Tuberculosis
  • Malignancy
  • Esophagus
  • Duodenum
  • Extrapulmonary tuberculosis
  • General surgery
  • Surgery