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Symptoms of Hepatic Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a disease in which tuberculoma (or tubercular) lesions occur within the body. It is highly contagious as the germs from these lesions pass through the air, even from those who do not have symptoms. Tuberculosis typically manifests in the lungs. In a very small percentage of patients, however, tuberculosis can present as hepatic (involving the liver). The symptoms of hepatic tuberculosis are much different from the coughing and difficulty breathing of pulmonary tuberculosis.

  1. Gastrointestinal

    • Abdominal pain and tenderness on examination are very common with hepatic tuberculosis. The pain may cause loss of appetite and possible nausea. Significant weight loss, even to the point of anorexia, may occur from hepatic tuberculosis because of the stomach problems.

    Appearance

    • Jaundice, or yellowing, is a common symptom of liver problems. It may present as a yellow coloring in the skin or eyes. If you are having liver problems, you may also see a deeper yellow color in your urine. Stool color may actually take on less color and become more clay-colored.

    Other Symptoms

    • Fever is often the first symptom of hepatic tuberculosis and may continue long term until the disease is treated. Fatigue is not uncommon with hepatic tuberculosis as the disease can cause anemia.

    Considerations

    • Hepatic tuberculosis may occur with or without pulmonary tuberculosis. It is difficult to diagnose through just a physical examination. Though blood work may show changes in liver functions, radiological tests--ultrasound, tomography, MRCP, CAT scan--are needed to diagnosis hepatic tuberculosis. Sometimes exploratory surgery will be necessary for definitive diagnose if the tubular legions do not show in radiology.

    Warning

    • The symptoms of hepatic tuberculosis are similar to that of many other liver diseases, including hepatitis and Klatskin tumor. Hepatic tuberculosis is very rare, but anything that involves liver damage is serious and requires treatment. Consult with a health care professional if you feel you have any of the symptoms of hepatic tuberculosis which are also related to liver failure.

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