TB ascitis in cirrhosis of liver - A case report

To diagnose the cause of ascitis in cirrhosis of liver is difficult clinically as fluid is also present in cirrhosis with portal hypertension. The other diseases causing ascitis can also occur in cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension. In tropical countries like India tuberculous ascitis is very common, hence tuberculous ascitis can occur even in presence of cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension. In this case report, 45 years old male presented with tuberculous ascitis in cirrhosis of liver. This points out that tuberculous ascitis should be thought of even in presence of cirrhosis of liver or cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension. The patient recovered completely with anti-tubercular treatment without any complications or toxicity. The role of anti-tubercular treatment and its toxicity in the presence of liver cirrhosis is also discussed.