Case Study: Not All Stomach Cramps and Loose Stools Are IBS - Dr Akshay Kulkarni -IBD Specialist, Endoscopist & Hepatologist in Pune

Patient: Mr. AG., a young aspiring engineer

Condition: Crohn’s Disease (initially misdiagnosed as Abdominal Tuberculosis)

Consultant: Dr. Akshay Kulkarni, Gastroenterologist & IBD Specialist

Hospital: Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune

Case Summary:

Mr. AG, a hardworking engineering professional, had been ignoring his recurring stomach cramps and loose stools, attributing them to work stress and irregular eating habits. However, beneath these seemingly minor symptoms lay a more serious condition.

Routine investigations revealed bleeding from his gut. Soon after, he began suffering from joint pains, severe diarrhea, and dehydration. Initially, his symptoms were treated as abdominal tuberculosis (TB) — a common misdiagnosis in India. Despite months of anti-TB treatment, his condition failed to improve. All TB test results eventually came back negative, but by then, six valuable months had already passed. His health deteriorated further — he lost significant weight and appetite.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

At this stage, Mr. AG approached the IBD Clinic at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, where he consulted Dr. Akshay Kulkarni, a renowned Gastroenterologist & IBD Specialist.

Dr. Kulkarni performed detailed investigations including CT scan and MRI of the abdomen, which confirmed the diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease a chronic inflammatory bowel condition often mistaken for TB or IBS.

He initiated advanced Biological therapy, tailored specifically for Crohn’s Disease. The results were remarkable — Mr. AG’s symptoms subsided, his energy levels improved, and he started gaining weight again. With a renewed appetite and fitness routine, he soon resumed his normal lifestyle, free from the distressing symptoms that had plagued him for months.

Clinical Insight:

Crohn’s Disease can often mimic other gastrointestinal disorders like IBS or abdominal TB. Delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment can lead to severe complications.

Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are crucial, timely intervention with advanced therapy can lead to long-term remission and an excellent quality of life.