GALLBLADDER TUBERCULOSIS MIMICKING CARCINOMA GALLBLADDER: A CASE REPORT

Gallbladder tuberculosis (GT) is a very rare and curable disease but sometimes it can be confused with other gallbladder diseases like gallbladder carcinoma. Very few cases have been reported in the medical literature. The first case of GT was described in 1870 by Gaucher. A correct preoperative diagnosis of GT is unexpected. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A patient underwent surgery with a preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma after ultrasonography (USG) and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan after histopathological examination the disease turned out to be gallbladder tuberculosis. DISCUSSION: The gallbladder is highly resistant to tuberculous infection, and the presence of cholelithiasis and cystic duct obstruction is essential for the development of GT.[1,2] About 70% of GT cases are accompanied by gallstones.[2] GT often occurs in association with other intra-abdominal tuberculosis, and usually in women over 30 years of age.[2] A wide spectrum of symptoms have been described in patients with GT, including abdominal pain in right hypochondrium, weight loss, fever, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and a palpable abdominal mass.[2] A correct diagnosis of GT is difficult, and it is usually made after cholecystectomy.[1] The differential diagnosis of GT includes acute and chronic cholecystitis, polypoid lesions and gallbladder carcinoma.[2] CONCLUSION: Gallbladder tuberculosis can mimic gallbladder carcinoma.