Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Primary esophageal tuberculosis is an uncommon manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in Asian adults, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can complicate diagnosis. This report details a case of primary esophageal tuberculosis in middle age female, emphasizing the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) imaging. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, a 46-year-old female from Sichuan Province, China, experienced recurrent choking and mild retrosternal pain postprandially. She exhibited a weight loss of approximately 1 kg over a week, without additional symptoms such as dysphagia or fever. Esophagoscopy disclosed a small ulcer, and CT imaging revealed esophageal wall thickening with mucosal ulceration. A left thoracic lower and middle esophagectomy was conducted, with postoperative pathology confirming granulomatous inflammation, indicative of tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the pivotal role of CT imaging in diagnosing primary esophageal tuberculosis. The imaging modality's ability to delineate subtle mucosal ulcerations and wall thickening provides a crucial diagnostic advantage, facilitating accurate and timely diagnosis of this rare condition.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases
Authors: Zhong Huang, Shaoyong Zhang, Ruikun Liao, Zhi Wang
Institution: Chongqing University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W4409268930