[A pancreatic pseudotumour of tuberculous etiology]

Abstract

Background: To review the clinical findings of pancreatic tuberculosis and to establish a differential diagnosis with pancreatic tumours.

Patients and methods: To describe three cases of pancreatic tuberculosis diagnosed in a 850 bed teaching hospital during the last two years.

Results: In the three case the imaging procedures showed a pancreatic mass with hypodense area. One of the cases was erroneously initially diagnosed of a pancreatic tumour. In one case was diagnosed by a subcutaneous abscess puncture, in another by clinical suspicion and in third patient by laparotomy. Only one patient was immunosuppressed. All patients were cured with standard antituberculous therapy.

Conclusions: Pancreatic tuberculosis should be considered in patients presenting with pancreatic tumours.