Inflammatory Diseases of the Bowel: A Malaysian Experience1

Abstract

A 10‐year experience in the diagnosis and treatment of 92 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in Kuala Lumpur is described. Tuberculosis (34 cases) was the most common inflammatory bowel disease of surgical importance. The clinical presentation of tuberculous enteritis and Crohn's disease is similar, though tuberculosis is strongly suggested by associated pulmonary disease and radiological evidence of caecal involvement. The finding of 10 cases each of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is in keeping with an increased awareness of these conditions in a developing urban society where facilities exist for thorough investigation of diarrhoeal diseases. Amoebiasis sometimes causes a granulomatous lesion simulating carcinoma. Diverticular disease of the colon as known in the West is of very rare occurrence.

Amebic Colitis Can Mimic Tuberculosis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Endoscopy and Biopsy

“…However, diarrhea may also be a presenting manifestation of other diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and tuberculosis. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Because the treatment of these conditions is different from that of amebiasis, it is important to recognize and treat the condition appropriately.…”

The use of infliximab in South‐east Asian children with severe Crohn's disease

“…In South-east Asia, there have been reports of CD among adult patients but not among the pediatric population. 5,6 The reason for this marked difference in the prevalence of CD between Western and Asian countries is unknown. There might also be some difference in the clinical features of CD between these two populations.…”

“…Crohn's disease is common in the West but is rare among Asians. In South‐east Asia, there have been reports of CD among adult patients but not among the pediatric population 5,6 . The reason for this marked difference in the prevalence of CD between Western and Asian countries is unknown.…”