Tuberculosis Presenting as Ruptured Liver Abscess and Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis in a Pediatric Patient

Background: Tuberculosis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in many countries across the world, including Pakistan. While systemic tuberculosis can involve any organ of the body, tubercular liver abscess is a rare presentation. Case Report: We report the case of an 8-year-old female from a developing country where tuberculosis poses a significant burden on the health care system. The patient presented with fever and weight loss for 6 months and abdominal pain for 14 days. On examination, she had tenderness and guarding over the right hypochondrium. Investigations revealed neutrophilic predominance in the complete blood count and elevated C-reactive protein. Imaging of the abdomen revealed ruptured liver abscess, extensive abdominal lymphadenopathy, and thrombus in the inferior vena cava. Gastric secretions were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Treatment included antitubercular and antithrombotic therapy. The patient was closely followed until she had completed the 1-year course of antitubercular therapy and was symptom-free. Conclusion: In tuberculosis-endemic countries, physicians should keep a high index of suspicion for tuberculosis in children who present with liver abscess and multisystem involvement.