All of the following are diagnostic barium follow through features of ileocecal tuberculosis EXCEPT
**Core Concept**
Ileocecal tuberculosis is a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis that affects the ileocecal region of the small intestine. It is characterized by chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and narrowing of the ileocecal valve. Diagnostic barium follow through is a radiographic technique used to visualize the small intestine and diagnose various diseases, including ileocecal tuberculosis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The diagnostic features of ileocecal tuberculosis on barium follow through include:
* **String sign of Kantor**: a narrow, elongated ileocecal valve due to fibrosis and inflammation.
* **Rigler's sign**: a combination of ileocecal valve narrowing and a "cobblestone" appearance of the ileum due to mucosal ulceration and thickening.
* **Target sign**: a central filling defect within the ileocecal valve, representing a fibrotic nodule or a tumor.
* **Apple-core appearance**: a circumferential stricture of the ileum, resembling an apple core, due to chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not a recognized diagnostic feature of ileocecal tuberculosis on barium follow through.
**Option B:** This option is not a characteristic finding in ileocecal tuberculosis, and its description does not match the typical radiographic features of the disease.
**Option C:** This option is a potential complication of ileocecal tuberculosis, but it is not a diagnostic feature on barium follow through.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Ileocecal tuberculosis is a classic cause of chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea in a patient with a history of tuberculosis exposure or a positive tuberculin skin test. The "string sign of Kantor" is a highly suggestive radiographic feature of this condition.
**Correct Answer: A.**