Small intestinal tuberculosis can cause -a) Diarrhoeab) Constipationc) Strictured) Malabsorption
First, I need to recall what small intestinal TB typically presents with. Tuberculosis in the intestines is usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreading via the bloodstream or from a primary focus in the lungs. The ileocecal region is the most common site.
TB can cause both ulcerative and nodular lesions. Ulcerative TB might lead to increased motility, which could result in diarrhea. But wait, sometimes the inflammation can also lead to narrowing of the lumen, causing a stricture. Strictures in the intestines can lead to obstruction, which might present with constipation. So, both diarrhea and constipation could be possible depending on the type of lesion. However, I think the more classic presentation is diarrhea due to the inflammatory process.
Malabsorption is another key point. The small intestine is responsible for nutrient absorption. If there's chronic inflammation, ulcers, or strictures, the absorptive surface is compromised. This would lead to malabsorption, especially fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. So malabsorption is definitely a feature.
Stricture formation is common in TB due to granulomatous inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. So stricture is a valid option.
Now, looking at the options, the correct answers would be a) Diarrhea, c) Stricture, and d) Malabsorption. But wait, the options are a, b, c, d. The question is a multiple correct answer? Wait, the original question is presented as a single-answer question. Wait, the user's question has options a to d, but in the given format, they might be multiple correct. Wait, no, the original question is presented as a single answer, but the correct answer includes multiple options. Let me check again.
Wait, the user's question says "Small intestinal tuberculosis can cause" followed by a, b, c, d. The options are a) Diarrhoea, b) Constipation, c) Stricture, d) Malabsorption. The correct answer, according to standard references, is that small intestinal TB can cause all except constipation. Wait, no. Let me think again.
In TB of the small intestine, the most common symptoms are weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Diarrhea is due to increased peristalsis and inflammation. Strictures can occur due to fibrosis, leading to obstruction, which might present with constipation. So constipation could be a result of a stricture causing obstruction. However, the primary presentation is more often diarrhea. Malabsorption is a key feature because of the damage to the absorptive surface. So the correct answers are a, c, d. But the options are a, b, c, d. If the question is a multiple correct, but the user's setup is for a single answer, that's confusing. Wait, no, the original question might be a multiple correct question. But the user's correct answer is given as a single option. Wait, looking back, the user's correct answer is written as "Correct Answer: . " which is empty. So perhaps the user intended for the correct answer to be multiple options. Wait, but in the structure, the user