Multifocal tuberculosis simulating multimetastatic colon cancer in an immunocompetent black African patient: a case report

Multifocal tuberculosis is rare in immunocompetent subjects. It is characterized by the involvement of at least two extra-pulmonary sites, associated or not with lung disease. It is often difficult to diagnose. We here report a case of multifocal tuberculosis in a non-immunocompromised black African subject at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National Hospital and University Center (CNHU-NKM) in Cotonou, Benin. The study involved a 23-year-old man, with no particular previous history, admitted with diffuse abdominal pain associated with alteration of general state. Clinical examination showed severe malnutrition and medium-volume ascites. Imaging tests (chest X-ray, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan) showed multiple lung, liver, pancreatic, bone, lymph nodes and colic lesions suggesting multimetastatic tumor. Colonoscopy then showed budding lesion of the cecum. GeneXpert test showed Koch's bacilli. The anatomo-pathological examination of colic biopsies and GeneXpert sputum test confirmed multifocal tuberculosis. The patient received antituberculosis treatment and nutritional support. However he died. Multifocal tuberculosis is a serious disease that is difficult to diagnose. Then it is frequently mis-diagnosed in tropical areas, especially when it occurs in immunocompetent patients.