Pancreatic Tuberculosis: An Overview

Pancreatic tuberculosis is a rare occurrence in either immune-competent or immune-suppressed host. Pancreatic tuberculosis most commonly afflicts the region of the head and the uncinate process of the pancreas. It is often misdiagnosed due to low index of suspicion and masquerading of its symptoms as more common pancreatic conditions such as pancreatic malignancy. However, Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration sampling with an acid-fast smear is essential for establishing the diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis. If the diagnosis is delayed, pancreatic tuberculosis can be fatal. Pancreatic tuberculosis responds well to standard anti-tuberculous drugs. Image: Taleghani Hospital. Tehran, Iran.