Pancreatic tuberculosis with a pancreaticobiliary fistula

Dig Dis Sci. 2007 May;52(5):1225-8. doi: 10.1007/s10620-006-9471-z. Epub 2007 Mar 20.

Abstract

Pancreatic tuberculosis (TB) is a rare condition that is sometimes difficult to differentiate from pancreatic cancer or other malignancies. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of weight loss, fever, and diarrhea. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) revealed a 3-cm mass in the pancreas head with abdominal lymphadenopathy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography did not show pancreatic duct stenosis or dilatation, but a pancreaticobiliary fistula was demonstrated. Cytological and bacteriological examinations of the pancreatic juice and bile were negative. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration of the mass was not diagnostic. Colonoscopic features and biopsy specimens affirmed the diagnosis of TB, and treatment with antitubercular drugs was started. The pancreatic mass disappeared within 8 weeks and the pancreaticobiliary fistula resolved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biliary Fistula / etiology*
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Colonic Diseases / complications
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Colonic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Diseases / complications
  • Pancreatic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Diseases / etiology
  • Pancreatic Fistula / etiology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis / complications
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / etiology
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents