A case of asymptomatic primary liver tuberculosis proven by percutaneous liver biopsy / 北京大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY The patient, an 18-year-old girl, was found to have strong positive purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) test and calcified focus in her liver 2 years ago. She denied fever, cough, sputum, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, and anorexia. After admission, physical examination, laboratory tests, CXR, abdominal CT, colonoscopy and gynecological examination were all normal except for the liver lesions. Percutaneous needle biopsy was performed under sonographic guidance and pathological examination showed caseous granuloma. She was diagnosed as primary liver tuberculosis and the lesions decreased after 2 months’ therapy of isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol. Primary liver tuberculosis could be asymptomatic and manifestated as calcified focus; percutaneous needle biopsy and pathological examination is helpful for the diagnosis. The asymptomatic liver lesions are still an indication for anti-tuberculosis therapy.