Isolated gallbladder tuberculosis in an 84-year old man: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION: Isolated gallbladder tuberculosis is extremely rare even in endemic regions posing diagnostic challenges as the presentation mimics other gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and gallbladder carcinoma. Preoperative suspicion index is negligible with most cases being diagnosed postoperatively from resected specimen. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report an elderly man who presented with jaundice, and was clinically diagnosed with gallbladder carcinoma. DISCUSSION: Histopathology of resected gallbladder revealed gallbladder tuberculosis. No features of tuberculous infection were found elsewhere. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers should have a high index of suspicion particularly for patients in endemic areas presenting with cholecystitis to obtain a pre-operative diagnosis.