Gallbladder Tuberculosis Mimicking Gallbladder Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Gallbladder tuberculosis (GT) is an extremely rare disease entity, even in our country Morocco known for being an endemic area. The lack of pathognomonic clinical presentation and radiological features of GT makes preoperative diagnosis unlikely and poses a diagnostic dilemma regarding gallbladder carcinoma (GC). The diagnosis is usually made by histological examination after cholecystectomy, highlighting the importance of sending every gallbladder specimen to pathology. We report an exceedingly rare case of GT mimicking GC and refer to a recent review of the literature to discuss the clinical and radiological features of GT.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of gallbladder tuberculosis: a case report

“…Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) commonly affects the lungs and solitary TB of the gallbladder is one of the rarest sites of extrapulmonary TB infection. The reason the gallbladder is less susceptible to infection is related to the highly alkaline environment of bile and the inhibitory effect on MTB of the bile acids [1][2]. The pathogenesis of gallbladder TB is unknown, and the route of infection is mostly considered to be caused by hematogenous or lymphatic spreading.…”

“…The pathogenesis of gallbladder TB is unknown, and the route of infection is mostly considered to be caused by hematogenous or lymphatic spreading. Cholelithiasis and biliary obstruction are considered the most important factors in the development of gallbladder TB [2][3][4]. The clinical manifestations of gallbladder TB are not typical, with most patients presenting chronic cholecystitis with right upper quadrant pain or gallbladder mass.…”

Unusual manifestations of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis: a pictorial essay

“…Rarely, multi-cystic form has been described. A recent review found only about 120 cases reported in world literature to date [5]. The differential diagnosis includes gallbladder malignancy or xantho-granulomatous cholecystitis.…”

Gallbladder tuberculosis: A rare case report with review of literature

“…There have been few cases of gallbladder TB recorded in the literature, making it an uncommon condition [2]. The most common clinical signs and symptoms are fever, anemia, anorexia, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort [3]. Gallstones, wall thickening, or a mass may be detected in the gallbladder with ultrasonography.…”