Hilar tuberculosis versus Klatskin tumour: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Hepatobiliary tuberculosis is a rare condition causing obstructive jaundice either by enlarged lymph nodes around the bile ducts or involvement of biliary epithelium by the tuberculous process. Since a tissue diagnosis is not mandatory to proceed with the resection or initiation of a liver transplant protocol, benign lesions are occasionally misdiagnosed as hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we present a case of hepatobiliary tuberculosis which presented as obstructive jaundice due to hilar obstruction. The mass causing the obstruction was then later found to be a pseudotumour, typical of tuberculosis. This diagnosis meant that extensive surgical resection as a protocol for cholangiocarcinoma was avoided. The patient recovered completely after a course of antitubercular therapy.