Tuberculosis of the Pancreas

Summary

In a case report, the rare condition of tuberculosis of the pancreas is described.

There are two conceivable ways in which the pancreas may become diseased:

1. toxic-allergic reaction of the pancreas in response to generalized tuberculosis (so-called concomitant pancreatitis)

2. Invasion of the pancreas by tubercle bacteria disseminated via the blood, or through penetration of the organ by adjacent caseating abdominal lymph nodes.

Histologically, epithelioid cells and Langhans' giant cells are only rarely found; caseation usually develops, with subsequent calcification, which can lead to stenosis of the pancreatic duct.

In patients with generalized tuberculosis and abdominal complaints, the diagnosis is most reliably established on the basis of ERCP and CAT.

In the presence of pain, resection of the affected portion of the pancreas may be considered as a means of treatment.

Key words:

Tuberculosis - Pancreas - ERCP - CAT