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Hepatic tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma gall bladder
Jai Bikhchandani1, V K Malik, V Kumar
1Department of Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. jai_9c@rediffmail.com
Summary
Tuberculosis of the liver with gallstones (calculous cholecystitis) was diagnosed in a 50-year-old man during gallbladder removal surgery. He successfully responded to tuberculosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health issue, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of manifesting in various organs.
- Hepatic tuberculosis, though rare, presents diagnostic challenges and can occur with or without concurrent biliary tract disease.
- Gallbladder involvement in hepatic TB, particularly calculous cholecystitis, is an uncommon presentation.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male patient presented with symptoms necessitating a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).
- Intraoperative findings or subsequent histopathological examination revealed coexisting tuberculosis of the liver and calculous cholecystitis.
- This case highlights a rare clinical scenario where liver TB was identified in the context of gallbladder pathology.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of hepatic tuberculosis was confirmed post-operatively in a patient with gallstones.
- The patient's condition was successfully managed with standard antitubercular therapy.
- This underscores the importance of considering disseminated TB in unusual presentations.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of clinical presentations for hepatic tuberculosis.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antitubercular treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in hepatic TB.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for TB in patients with unexplained liver or biliary pathology, especially in endemic areas.