*5.2.8 Diagnostic factors for tuberculous esophagitis*

The development of transverse or longitudinal sinus tracts or esophageal-airway fistulae can be as a result of the erosion of caseating nodes into the esophagus. People suffering from radiation esophagitis, Crohn's disease esophageal cancer or some sorts of trauma also display similar fistulae and tracts, but the clinical presentations of these patients normally portray the right diagnosis.

Intrinsic tuberculosis is very uncommon and it features of mucosal plaques, fistulae, strictures and ulcers. In a patient with tuberculosis, the development of difficulty in swallowing, cough and choking on swallowing indicates the involvement of the esophagus.
