Probable hepatic tuberculosis masquerading as Klatskin tumour in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

SUMMARYA 55-year-old immunocompetent woman was presented with features of obstructive jaundice and a clinicoradiological picture suggestive of a hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumour). However, caseating granulomatous lesion associated with miliary nodules were revealed intraoperatively. The lesion responded to standard antituberculous therapy. This unusual presentation highlights the considerable diagnostic challenge in such case. BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) of the Porta Hepatis Presenting with Obstructive Jaundice Mimicking a Malignant Biliary Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Positive AFB smear in hepatic tuberculosis is low, ranging from 0% to 45%, and only 10% of cultures show a positive result. Therefore, AFB negative should not divert from the diagnosis, especially in areas where TB is endemic [4, 25]. Our patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and tissue biopsy revealed granulomatous disease, which responded to antituberculous therapy which supported the diagnosis of biliary TB.…”

“…Patient with abdominal TB can present with abdominal pain, low-grade fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and loss of weight and appetite [4, 9]. Biliary tuberculosis can present with jaundice.…”