Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis Presenting as Intestinal Obstruction in a 16-Year-Old Filipino with Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This case report discusses a 16-year-old Filipino female with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed gastrointestinal (GI) tuberculosis (TB) presenting as intestinal obstruction. Despite being on treatment for latent TB and SLE, she experienced symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. A CT scan revealed ileocecal involvement, and surgery confirmed ileocecal TB. The report highlights the diagnostic challenges due to overlapping nonspecific symptoms of GI TB and intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) in SLE, which can lead to delayed treatment. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent complications, emphasizing the need for a high index of suspicion and appropriate diagnostic tools.