Primary tuberculous enterocolitis. Report of three cases and review of the literature.

Three patients had primary enteric tuberculosis. Therapy included antituberculous chemotherapy and resection of the involved segment of bowel with primary anastomosis in each case. The symptomatology, roentgenographic findings, histopathology, and treatment of enteric tuberculosis are reviewed. The surgeon must be aware of the fact that primary enteric tuberculosis continues to exist in the United States. Though no pathognomonic symptoms or syndrome occur in enteric tuberculosis, this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with vague abdominal complaints, weight loss, and anorexia.