Pancreatic Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Pancreatic tuberculosis is extremely rare and its clinical and radiological findings are similar to those of pancreatic malignancy. The diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis is not usually made prior to surgery. Here, we report a case of pancreatic tuberculosis, presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a 62 mm × 32 mm septate solid-cystic mass in the pancreatic head area with extension into the hilum of the liver. There was no evidence of inflammation or pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUSFNA) could not yield the diagnosis. Exploratory laparotomy and further pathological evaluation suggested pancreatic tuberculosis. Response to antituberculosis treatment confirmed the diagnosis. Finally, previous case reports and case studies of pancreatic tuberculosis in the literature are fully investigated.

Keywords

• Pancreas
• Tuberculosis
• Biopsy
• Fine-Needle
• Endosonography