Hepatic tuberculosis is a medical condition affecting the liver caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /hɛˈpætɪk tuˌbɛrkjʊˈloʊsɪs/. The first syllable 'hepatic' is pronounced with stress on the second syllable (/hɪˈpætɪk/), while the second 'tuberculosis' is pronounced with stress on the third syllable (/tuˌbɛrkjʊˈloʊsɪs/). The word features several silent letters, including 'h' and 'p' in 'hepatic' and 't' in 'tuberculosis'. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent severe liver damage.
Hepatic tuberculosis, also known as tubercular liver abscess or tuberculous hepatitis, is a rare form of tuberculosis that primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which is the same bacteria responsible for causing pulmonary tuberculosis.
In hepatic tuberculosis, the bacterium spreads to the liver through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, resulting in the formation of one or multiple abscesses in the liver tissue. These abscesses are filled with pus and can lead to various symptoms including hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), abdominal pain, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss.
The diagnosis of hepatic tuberculosis is typically made through a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the liver tissue.
Treatment of hepatic tuberculosis usually involves a combination of antibiotics that are effective against the bacterium causing the infection. The duration of treatment is typically prolonged, ranging from six months to a year, to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent further complications.
While hepatic tuberculosis is considered rare, it is important to be aware of this condition, especially in individuals with a history of tuberculosis or immunocompromised individuals, as early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for a successful outcome.
The word "hepatic" comes from the Latin word "hepar" which means "liver". It is derived from the Greek word "hepar" as well.
The term "tuberculosis" is derived from the Latin word "tuberculum", meaning "a small swelling or bump". It originated from the Latin word "tuberculus", which means "a small tumor or swelling". The term was originally used to describe the tubercles or small nodules that form in the tissues affected by tuberculosis.
Therefore, "hepatic tuberculosis" refers to tuberculosis that affects the liver.