NODULAR FORM OF LOCAL HEPATIC TUBERCULOSIS - CASE-REPORT

The nodular form of hepatic tuberculosis (TB) is a very uncommon disea se characterized by coalescing tubercles to form tumour-like tuberculo mas or abscesses without evidence of extrahepatic tuberculosis. Since 1950, 23 cases of isolated nodular TB in the liver have been reported in the world literature. In 19 of these cases laparotomy was performed and the correct diagnosis was obtained only on histologic examination . We report one additional case of multiple tuberculous abscesses whic h were initially diagnosed as hepatic abscesses and at intraoperative evaluation were thought to be a liver tumour. The diagnosis was made b y histological examination with identification of acid-fast bacili.