This is a case of a young gentleman, who presented with complaints of hematochezia, weight loss and fluctuating fever for the past five months. The patient was a known case of Hirschsprung disease and Ulcerative colitis IUC and underwent a rectal Duhamel procedure in the past. On examination there was a fistula with an external opening at the anal verge.
The clinical suspicion at this point was enterocutaneous fistula, abscess, and incontinence secondary to Hirschsprung disease. Investigations including MRI and sigmoidoscopy were carried out.
A tissue from the anorectal junction was taken for histopathology review. Histopathological analysis suggested granulomatous inflammation with collection of epithelioid histiocytes along with caseating necrosis.
This was consistent with the diagnosis of anal tuberculosis. The patient was started on a quadruple regimen of anti-tuberculous drugs ATT. The patient six months into treatment has shown significant clinical improvement. Differential diagnosis of perianal conditions should include chronic infection related to TB.
The prognosis of anal TB with the proper drug regimen is excellent with complete remission of the disease. Tuberculosis is a prevalent disease around the world, with more than one third of the world population infected by Tuberculosis Bacilli. However, in Pakistan, TB remains an endemic despite BCG vaccine being a part of routine post-natal immunization regime. The country is ranked fifth in the highest burden countries around the globe, with a prevalence, incidence and mortality estimated at , and 34 per , individuals respectively 1 , 2.
