A Case Report on Fever of Unknown Origin in a 10-Year-Old: Tubercular Liver Abscess

TL;DR

A 10-year-old boy with unexplained fever was diagnosed with a rare tubercular liver abscess and successfully treated.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of tubercular liver abscess in children and emphasizes the importance of collaborative management.

Findings

A liver biopsy confirmed the presence of a tubercular liver abscess in a previously healthy child.

Targeted treatment led to the resolution of the fever and improved clinical outcomes.

Collaboration among specialists is essential for managing such rare pediatric tuberculosis cases.

Abstract

The liver, which presents as a focal point for tuberculosis in pediatric cases, is rarely encountered, and reported instances are scarce. This atypical manifestation underscores the management of tuberculosis affecting this particular organ in the context of pediatric patients. The treatment of solitary tubercular liver abscesses in children necessitates a collaborative approach, engaging pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, and interventional radiologists. It also needs awareness among physicians to explore and treat early and to complete further assessments for a better outcome. In our instance, investigating the cause of fever led us to diagnose a tubercular liver abscess in a previously healthy 10-year-old male. The substantiation of this diagnosis was accomplished through a meticulous liver biopsy, wherein immunohistochemistry was employed to detect tubercular pathogens. Following the confirmation of the diagnosis, the initiation of a targeted therapeutic regimen resulted in the subsequent resolution of the fever.

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