ABSTRACT
Objective To understand the clinical features of hepatic tuberculosis. Methods The clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and prognosis of a case of hepatic tuberculosis were analyzed. Similar cases were identified from PubMed database during the period from 2013 to 2017 using search terms "Liver/Hepatology/Hepatic Tuberculosis". The clinical data of the identified patients with hepatic tuberculosis were reviewed and analyzed. Results The 16-year-old male patient presented with cough and abdominal distension. His sputum was positive for acid-fast bacillus. CT showed low-density spaceoccupying lesions. After anti-tuberculosis treatment, the lesion disappeared. Hepatic tuberculosis was finally considered, which was caused by disseminated tuberculosis. Literature search identified 63 similar cases. In summary, the 64 cases(containing this one)included 38 males and 26 females with age from 11 months to 77 years. Tuberculosis in other site or underlying disease was found in 39 cases. The main clinical manifestations were fever(51.6％), abdominal pain(50.0％), weight loss(31.2％), loss of appetite(25.0％), tiredness/weakness(21.9％), and nausea/vomiting(20.3％). Low-density space-occupying lesions were the main features on CT image. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological and/or bacteriological testing in 59 patients. Five patients were diagnosed after diagnostic anti-tuberculosis treatment was effective. Overall, 36 patients were cured, 19 improved, and 3 died.Conclusions The clinical symptoms of hepatic tuberculosis are atypical. Imaging combined with histopathological examination of the liver is the preferred method for diagnosis of hepatic tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculosis treatment and timely surgical treatment is usually effective with good outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Objective To understand the clinical features of splenic tuberculosis. Methods The clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment outcomes of a case of splenic tuberculosis caused by hematogenous pulmonary tuberculosis were analyzed. Related literatures about splenic tuberculosis were also reviewed. Results The patient was a 19-year-old male. Cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss were the main manifestations. Thoracoscopy revealed tuberculosis and imaging suggested splenic tuberculosis and tuberculosis in multiple body sites. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was effective in improving patient conditions. According to literature review, there are two types of splenic tuberculosis: primary splenic tuberculosis or as part of hematogenous pulmonary tuberculosis.The clinical manifestations of primary splenic tuberculosis are usually atypical. Immune deficiency is a significant risk factor of splenic tuberculosis. The main clinical manifestations of splenic tuberculosis are splenomegaly, fever, digestive system symptoms, and occasionally spontaneous splenic rupture (3/32). Most of the patients with splenic tuberculosis (28/32) were cured or improved by anti-tuberculosis treatment and/or splenectomy. Conclusions The onset of splenic tuberculosis is mostly insidious and clinical symptoms usually atypical. The diagnosis relies on radiographic findings, biopsy and pathological examination. Anti-tuberculosis and selective splenectomy are the effective treatment. The outcome of splenic tuberculosis is good in most patients.