Tuberculosis of the pancreas: report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Tuberculosis of the pancreas is a clinical entity rarely described in the literature. The pancreas is biologically protected from infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, probably because of the presence of pancreatic enzymes that interfere with the seeding of M. tuberculosis. However, when pathogens are able to overcome the resistance, they can have diverse presentations, such as pancreatic masses that can mimic carcinoma, obstructive jaundice, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Herein we describe 2 cases of pancreatic tuberculosis that presented as multicystic masses, and we review the literature to describe the diverse clinical manifestations of this condition.