Oesophageal tuberculosis: four cases.

Abstract

Four Asian patients presented with dysphagia. In each case the oesophagus was involved by adjacent tuberculous subcarinal glands. The lungs were clear and symptoms of systemic illness were minimal. Findings at oesophagoscopy were non-specific and early diagnosis rested on a high index of suspicion and a strongly positive Mantoux test. Bacteriological proof was obtained early in only two of the cases.