Isolated Pancreatic Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Host
Singhai, P.; Gadhadh, R.; Joshi, S.; Krishnan, S.; Aparna
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 65(12): 98-100
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 29327531 Document Number: 692006
Despite the high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, pancreatic TB is rare. When present, pancreatic TB is frequently associated with miliary TB, often in immunocompromised hosts. Pancreatic TB may present as a pancreatic abscess, acute or chronic pancreatitis, and cystic or solid pancreatic masses. This is a case of isolated Tubecular infection of the pancreas in an immunocompetent patient, who presented with a discrete pancreatic abscess, and was subsequently diagnosed with isolated pancreatic TB. This case suggests that clinicians should have a heightened suspicion of pancreatic TB when faced with discrete pancreatic lesions, especially in patients from areas where the infection is endemic. Such recognition may lead to appropriate diagnostic testing, and possible resolution of pancreatic lesions with antitubercular therapy.