BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) has long been a recognized infectious disease contributory to worldwide mortalities. Most cases are from low- to middle-income countries, including the Philippines. Hepatobiliary TB comprises only a small portion of extrapulmonary TB. Tuberculous liver abscess (TLA) usually presents with nonspecific findings causing delay in the diagnosis. Due to this, further reports are needed for early detection along with timely treatment for future courses.

CASE

Presenting a 17-year-old male who came in with right upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with intermittent fever. The symptoms persisted and eventually progressed to abdominal distention, weight loss and jaundice. Initial laboratories were taken including an ultrasound finding of a complex lesion in the hepatic lobe. He was initially managed with empiric antibiotic therapy – Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole, however, despite it, there was persistence of right upper quadrant pain, abdominal distention and jaundice. Due to this, further work-up was done with drainage of the abscess. Cultures were taken revealing tubercle bacilli along with other microbial growth. Antibiotics and antituberculosis medications sensitive to the microorganisms were started. With the noted improvement of jaundice and abdominal distention and resolution of pain and fever, he was discharged.

CONCLUSION

 Tuberculous liver abscess is an uncommon presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in an
immunocompetent male with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and jaundice. Although TB is endemic in the
Philippines, this gastrointestinal involvement is often not immediately recognized. Thus, with any suspicion of liver abscess,
tuberculous (TLA) type should be included in the differentials for early diagnosis and management. 

Human ; Male ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Abscess ; Liver ; Liver Abscess ; Research Report