A comprehensive review on Primary gallbladder tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that can affect any organ system of the body. Abdominal TB can be gastrointestinal, lymph nodal, visceral or peritoneal. The gallbladder (GB) is rarely involved in abdominal TB as a primary organ. Extensive research literature on gallbladder TB is limited to case reports. There has been no review on this rare abdominal pathology. GB tuberculosis is a difficult diagnosis preoperatively. It is a rare differential among the more common gallbladder pathologies such as cholelithiasis, or a gallbladder malignancy. Typical histopathology of the resected specimen helps to establish this rare diagnosis. Subjecting every specimen to histopathological examination followed by medical treatment offers the chance of cure. Through this review, the authors attempt to provide an insight into this disease entity.

Are incidentally detected gall bladder cancers really incidental? A report of two cases from a developing nation

“…This biases the treating physician into omitting to search for clinical signs such as ascites, a blummer shelf and the presence of a Virchow’s node. 8 These though are advanced signs of GBC.…”

“…4 These features are also associated with non-malignant conditions such as gallbladder tuberculosis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis as well as chronic repeated cholecystitis. 8 A non-malignant aetiology is far more common than cancer. This biases the treating physician into omitting to search for clinical signs such as ascites, a blummer shelf and the presence of a Virchow’s node.…”

“…9 The presence of ascites along with non-contiguous liver metastases make the diagnosis of metastatic disease more obvious. 8 All patients with a suspicion of GBC should be offered CECT scanning 3 which can more accurately describe the extent of the cancer.…”

An uncommon case of gall bladder mass: gall bladder tuberculosis

“…4 Gall bladder TB has been found with miliary TB, disseminated abdominal TB, isolated TB and with immunodeficiency. 5 Gall bladder TB poses a significant diagnostic challenge. Patients may present with symptoms mimicking carcinoma or chronic cholecystitis.…”

“…4 Gall bladder TB has been found with miliary TB, disseminated abdominal TB, isolated TB and with immunodeficiency. 5…”