Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis Presenting as Intestinal Obstruction in a 16-Year-Old Filipino with Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
May 2025
in “
The Journal of Rheumatology
”
Studysummary This case report describes a young female with pediatric SLE and latent TB who was found to have gastrointestinal tuberculosis, a rarely recognized and often misdiagnosed condition, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and need for early recognition in such cases.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
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.
