A tuberculosis case mimicking lymphoma.

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Infectious diseases
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, responsible for widespread morbidity and mortality.
• Abdominal tuberculosis (ATB) represents a rare manifestation of the disease, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms.
• ATB can mimic various non-infectious conditions, complicating diagnosis.

Observation:

• This report details a case of abdominal tuberculosis.
• The patient presented with an intra-abdominal mass lesion.
• Multiple lymphadenopathies were also observed, characteristic of lymphoma.

Findings:

• The clinical presentation and imaging findings of intra-abdominal mass and lymphadenopathies strongly suggested lymphoma.
• Histopathological examination confirmed abdominal tuberculosis, not lymphoma.
• This case underscores the potential for ATB to masquerade as malignancy.

Implications:

• Accurate and timely diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for ATB in patients with unexplained abdominal masses and lymphadenopathy, even when lymphoma is suspected.
• This case contributes to the understanding of rare presentations of tuberculosis and aids in differential diagnosis strategies.