Q) Which of the following statements about intestinal tuberculosis is false?
1. Hyperplastic type commonly causes colonic strictures
2. Raised inflammatory markers, anemia, and positive sputum culture support the diagnosis
3. Barium meal follow-through may show a pulled-up cecum
4. Interferon-gamma release assay is diagnostic
Answer: A) Strictures are of the small bowel, not the colon
Explanation:
Intestinal tuberculosis occurs in two main forms:
1. Ulcerative type – Characterized by transverse ulcers with undermined edges, and the serosa is studded with tubercles. This represents a more severe form of the disease.
2. Hyperplastic type – Involves hyperplasia and thickening of the terminal ileum. It leads to narrowing of the lumen, stricture formation, and fibrosis of the terminal ileum, not the colon.
Other key points:
- Raised inflammatory markers and anemia are commonly seen.
- Interferon-gamma release assays help in detecting subclinical infection but are not diagnostic.
- Barium meal follow-through typically shows a pulled-up or subhepatic cecum.