Malabsorption and subtotal villous atrophy secondary to pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis

Abstract

A case of malabsorption and subtotal villous atrophy secondary to pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis is reported. The patient was a 21-year-old Chinese girl who had active pulmonary tuberculosis, malabsorption, subtotal villous atrophy, atrophic gastritis with hypochlorhydria, ileal stricture, and a severe non-specific anaemia. There was also evidence to suggest protein-losing enteropathy. The association of subtotal villous atrophy and atrophic gastritis with tuberculosis is discussed. When antituberuclous therapy was instituted, improvement was marked not only clinically but also in the tests for intestinal absorption and in the jejunal mucosa.