title: Massive primary hepatic tuberculoma mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma in an immunocompetent host.
abstract: Tuberculoma of the liver is rare in an immunocompetent individual. We report a 26-year-old man with upper abdominal pain, abnormal liver function, and raised inflammatory markers. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a mixed attenuation lesion measuring 6 x 5 cm occupying most of the left lobe of the liver. Subsequent histology and culture confirmed tuberculous abscess. Following antituberculous therapy, repeat CT scan revealed complete resolution of the initial findings. This case illustrates the diagnostic difficulties of hepatic tuberculosis (TB) and the importance of considering TB in patients with hepatic lesions.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brookes
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Dee M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Dawkins
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gearty
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014375:Tuberculoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014386:Tuberculosis, Hepatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology