Tuberculosis presenting as a pancreatic cystic neoplasm

Abstract

A 33-year-old Thai born woman was referred to our tertiary referral hospital with back and epigastric pain. Investigations included abdominal ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen which demonstrated a 3 cm cystic lesion in the head of the pancreas, most likely a mucinous cystadenoma. Because of its malignant potential resection was advised. During surgical exploration, the tumour appeared unresectable, due to involvement of the common hepatic artery. PCR on biopsy revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis The patient was referred to an infectious disease specialist, and a full recovery was achieved after 6 months of antimicrobials.

Keywords: gastrointestinal surgery; global health; pancreatic cancer; tb and other respiratory infections.