A Case Report on Fever of Unknown Origin in a 10-Year-Old: Tubercular Liver Abscess

Sumita Biswas1, Md Wahiduzzaman Mazumder2, Uma Gupta3

  • 1Pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, BGD.

Cureus
|April 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric liver tuberculosis is rare but treatable. Early diagnosis via liver biopsy and targeted therapy can resolve symptoms in children with tubercular liver abscesses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Liver tuberculosis is an uncommon presentation in pediatric patients.
  • Solitary tubercular liver abscesses require multidisciplinary management.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 10-year-old male presented with fever of unknown origin.
  • Diagnostic workup revealed a tubercular liver abscess.

Findings:

  • Liver biopsy with immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of tubercular pathogens.
  • Targeted anti-tuberculosis therapy led to complete resolution of fever.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering liver tuberculosis in febrile children.
  • Emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and collaborative treatment approaches.
  • Suggests immunohistochemistry as a valuable diagnostic tool for hepatic tuberculosis.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
325
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
228
Increased Body Temperature01:25

Increased Body Temperature

A body temperature above  38°C  (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in...
666
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
142
Types of Fever01:25

Types of Fever

Fever can be triggered by several factors, including infections, nervous system disorders, certain cancers, blood diseases like leukemia, embolism, thrombosis, heatstroke, dehydration, surgical trauma, crushing injuries, and allergic reactions.
Here are the different types of fever:
368
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
242