Abstract

Primary esophageal involvement by tuberculosis is rare. Clinical symptoms are variable and nonspecific in which dysphagia is the most common presenting symptom. Endoscopic findings are also diverse and nonspecific and ulcerative form is a common manifestation. For a definite diagnosis, Endoscopic biopsies are useful but typical granuloma is seen in approximately 50% of cases and acid-fast bacilli are demonstrated in less than 25% of patients. Fine needle aspiration cytology and polymerase chain reaction are helpful for diagnosis. A 54-year-old man was presented with throat discomport. Endoscopy demonstrated hematoma like lesion with pus discharge from ulceration in the proximal esophagus. Esophageal tuberculosis was confirmed based on the biopsy and culture results, and he was treated with antituberculous medications. At the follow-up endoscopy, 6 months later, previous lesion was completely healed to scar. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2005;31:252⁣256)

• Keywords: Esophagus, Tuberculosis, Abscess