Insights into Gastric Tuberculosis: A Case Study of Immunocompetent Patients

Abstract

Gastric tuberculosis is a rare manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection outside the lungs. Its clinical presentation is nonspecific and can be misleading, often resembling peptic ulcer disease or malignancy. The primary source of information pertaining to this rare medical condition predominantly originates from case reports, with scarce publication of comprehensive case series addressing the disease. Diagnosis is most commonly established through histopathological examination of a surgical specimen subsequent to the onset of disease-related complications. However, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy represents the technique of choice for diagnosis in the absence of complications. We report two cases of gastric tuberculosis in immunocompetent patients, presenting with chronic abdominal pain, vomiting, and progressive weight loss over several months. The diagnosis was established through endoscopy coupled with biopsy findings Both patients underwent antibacterial treatment with favorable clinical outcomes.