Suspected colonic cancer turns out to be disseminated tuberculosis in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report

We report a case of disseminated abdominal tuberculosis developing 10 years after kidney transplantation and review the underlying literature. Patient concerns and diagnoses: A 51-year-old lady presented with epigastric pain, diarrhea, weight loss and night sweats 10 years after deceased-donor kidney transplantation. An epigastric as well as multiple peritoneal masses were found suspicious of a cancer of unknown primary. Colonoscopy revealed a colon tumor with the biopsy showing no dysplasia but histiocytic and granulomatous infiltration with acid-fast bacilli. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the biopsy and stool and disseminated abdominal tuberculosi was diagnosed. Interventions and outcomes: With anti-tuberculosis therapy, the masses regressed, and all cultures became sterile, sparing graft function. Lessons: This case emphasizes how variable and unspecific the presentation of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients may be and that tuberculosis constitutes a relevant risk also in the long-term post-transplant course.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Research Article: Clinical Case Report Source Type: research