Tubercular liver abscess (TLA) is an uncommon form of tuberculosis.
Forms of hepatic tuberculosis:
(1) miliary
(2) tuberculoma, which rarely may form an abscess (TLA)
Hepatic tuberculomas are usually associated with pulmonary or gastrointestinal tuberculosis, but they rarely can occur without any other apparent focus of tuberculosis.
Clinical features of tubercular liver abscess:
(1) fever
(2) anorexia and/or weight loss
(3) right hypochondrial pain or discomfort
(4) variable hepatomegaly
(5) variable jaundice
The diagnosis made by demonstration of mycobacteria on smear, culture or PCR.
A thick capsule and calcifications may limit penetration of antitubercular drugs, so drainage is often recommended.
Complications include rupture either into the pleural or peritoneal cavity.
