TUBERCULOSIS OF THE PANCREAS

Tuberculosis of the pancreas is extremely rare. We report a case which demonstrates the diagnostic confusion which may arise in this conditi on. A 55-year-old alcoholic caucasian man presented with loss of weigh t and obstructive jaundice. Ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cho langiopancreatography and computed tomography showed a mass lesion in the head of the pancreas, diagnosed as probably malignant. He underwen t a Whipple's pancreatoduodencetomy and made a good recovery. Histolog ical examination showed typical features of tuberculosis. In the absen ce of other foci of active disease chemotherapy was not given. He rema ins well It months after operation.