Inflammatory pseudotumor associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory pseudotumor is a relatively rare entity; originally identified in the lung, it has been described in multiple extrapulmonary anatomic locations.

Case report: We report on the unusual case of an inflammatory pseudotumor associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which was initially mistaken for a renal malignancy both in clinical and radiological settings. We additionally present three brief reviews concerning: (1) infectious agents postulated to induce morphological changes of an inflammatory pseudotumor; (2) mycobacterial pseudotumors; and (3) distinction from inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the renal pelvis.

Conclusions: The present case highlights the diagnostic importance of PCR-based detection of mycobacterial DNA in granulomatous tissue responses. It is of crucial importance that clinicians are aware of this unusual manifestation of mycobacterial infection to ensure that pertinent laboratory evaluation is employed and appropriate treatment is administered in order to avoid potential clinical implications.