Isolated tuberculosis of the liver: a diagnostic challenge.
A 46-year-old gentleman, being investigated for symptoms of generalised weakness, low-grade fever and weight loss, was found to have a large, infiltrative mass of the liver on CT scan. The radiological impression was that of advanced hepatic malignancy with involvement of lesser curve of the stomach and regional lymph nodes. Multiple biopsy attempts failed to yield an adequate tissue sample for histopathological diagnosis. Surgery was planned for left hemihepatectomy with resection of the hepatogastric ligament and partial gastrectomy. Frozen section of a peroperative tissue sample confirmed the diagnosis of hepatic tuberculosis (TB). The granulomatous area was debrided and anti-TB treatment was started postoperatively. Recovery was unremarkable and the patient is currently asymptomatic.
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK. momin76@yahoo.com
Momin
M
Malik
Lutfi
L
Kurban
Graeme I
GI
Murray
Bassam
B
Alkari
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014386:Tuberculosis, Hepatic / Q000175:diagnosis*