Pancreatic tuberculous abscess mimicking as cystic neoplasm: A rare initial manifestation of AIDS-defining illness

Abstract

A pancreatic tuberculous abscess is extremely rare, considered to be an AIDS-defining illness in HIV-positive patients. It is even rare to present as an initial manifestation of AIDS. We present a case that presented with epigastric pain, fever, and reduced appetite. The cystic pancreatic lesion was identified and computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration proved it to be a tuberculous abscess, confirmed by demonstration of acid fact bacilli in the pus aspirated. Although rare, it must be considered in the differentials in HIV-positive patients and can be confirmed by minimally invasive image-guided aspiration with microbiological or histopathological evaluation. Etiopathogenesis, presentation, and review of the literature is been summarized.