Esophageal tuberculosis presenting as progressive dysphagia in a 30-year-old female from rural Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Esophageal tuberculosis (TB) is an exceptionally rare manifestation of extra-pulmonary TB, often presenting diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms and similarity to malignancies. We report the case of a 30-year-old female from rural Gondar, Ethiopia, who presented with progressive dysphagia and significant weight loss. Diagnosis was confirmed through endoscopic biopsy, revealing tuberculous esophageal ulcer. Our case underscores the importance of considering TB in the differential diagnosis of esophageal ulcers, particularly in TB-endemic regions. In addition, we compare this case with the existing literature, which highlights the varied clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges of esophageal TB.