Granulomatous hepatitis and pleuritis after ileal bypass for obesity

A patient is presented who developed a granulomatous hepatitis and pleuritis approximately 7 months after an ileal bypass procedure for morbid obesity. Although the etiological agent was presumed to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis no pathogenic organism was grown from the liver, pleura, bone marrow, sputum, or gastric aspirate. The possibly increased susceptibility of these patients to mycobacterial infections is discussed. The value of obtaining serum levels of ethambutol, isoniazid, and rifampin, in patients with malabsorption is stressed. Although this patient seemed to respond to antituberculous therapy, other possible causes for the granulomatous process are explored.