Abdominal tuberculosis with pancreatic head involvement mimicking pancreatic malignancy in a young man: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic tuberculosis (PTB) is a rare disease, even in immunocompetent hosts. Abdominal tuberculosis involving the pancreatic head and peripancreatic areas may simulate pancreatic head carcinoma.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the case of a 32-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital for intermittent epigastric pain and weight loss. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the head of the pancreas. The lesion was initially diagnosed as pancreatic head carcinoma on abdominal imaging. Laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of PTB and the patient received antituberculosis therapy.

CONCLUSION

The present case is reported to emphasize the importance of including PTB in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

Keywords: Pancreatic tuberculosis; Pancreatic head carcinoma; Computed tomography; Laparotomy; Case report

Core Tip: Pancreatic tuberculosis (PTB) is a rare and challenging condition, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. It commonly presents with nonspecific symptoms that resemble those of pancreatic malignancies, complicating the diagnosis based solely on clinical and imaging findings. Therefore, a thorough diagnostic approach, including histopathological confirmation, is crucial for accurate identification. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for PTB, especially in areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, and include it in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions to avoid delays in treatment.