Asymptomatic Solitary Liver Tumor as the Sole Presentation of Tuberculosis: Report of a Case

Primary hepatic tuberculosis in the absence of active pulmonary or miliary tuberculosis is very rare. We report a case of a hepatitis B carrier with a newly found hepatic tumor diagnosed using surveillance ultrasonography. Computed tomography revealed one hypovascular tumor suggestive of malignancy. Surgical intervention revealed an encapsulated tumor with extensive necrosis. Histopathology was consistent with hepatic tuberculosis with acid-fast bacilli confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Hepatic macronodular tuberculosis that mimics hepatic malignancy is usually very difficult to diagnose. Physicians caring for patients with a hepatic mass of undetermined nature should carefully monitor and follow patients, particularly in endemic areas.