how to cite:
Jaanbakhsh
A, Aarvin
A. Frequency of hepatic granuloma in smear- positive tuberculosis. J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci. 2002;6(2):e81008.
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: Tuberculosis causes 10-55% of all hepatic ranulomas. Sputum Smear-negative patient suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis is a diagnostic challenge. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of hepatic granuloma in smear- positive pulmonary tuberculosis to decide whether hepatic biopsy could be used in diagnosing tuberculosis in Sputum Smear-negative patient suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis.
Materials and Methods: 34 patients ( 16 males; age range 14-71 years) with smear- positive pulmonary tuberculosis undergone hepatic biopsy in Sina hospital of Kermanshah, during the years 1995-98.
Results: Liver function tests were normal in all. In 5 of 34 patients ( 14.7%) hepatic granulomas were found.
Discussion and Conclusions: Diagnostic gain of hepatic biopsy is too low to be recommended for diagnosing tuberculosis in Sputum Smear-negative patient suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis.