A Case of Abdominal Tuberculosis Mimicking Cystic Mass

Yoon, Seung Jai; Kim, Pum Soo; Jeong, Seok; Kwon, Kye Sook; Cho, Hyun Keun; Lee, Don Hang; Choi, Won; Kim, Hyung Gil; Shin, Yong Woon; Kim, Young Soo

Abstract

Although the incidence of tuberculosis has recently been reduced owing to advance of antituberculous drugs, improvement of public health, and early diagnosis with effective treatment, tuberculosis still remains as a major cause of death in Korea. In general, abdominal tuberculosis is described in three main forms; tuberculous peritonitis, gastrointestinal tuberculosis, and a combination of both. The diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis, especially extraintestinal tuberculosis, is difficult due to vague symptoms and nonspecific laboratory findings. We experienced an interesting and unique case of abdominal tuberculosis. A 27-year-old man who complained of symmetric diffuse abdominal distension revealed a huge cystic mass. After cystectomy, the mass was confirmed as tuberculous cyst involving surrounding organs such as the spleen, pancreas, liver, and transverse colon. His postoperative course has been good since the start of antituberculous medication. The authors have experienced a case of abdominal tuberculosis mimicking cystic mass and report the case with the brief review of literatures.