Tumor-Like Lesions of the Hepatobiliary Tract Caused by Mycobacterial Infections: Tuberculosis and Lepra

Abstract

Primary and secondary tuberculosis of the liver can result in several types of tumor-like lesions. A common manifestation of hepatic tuberculosis is miliary hepatic tuberculosis and granulomatous hepatitis. Tumor-like lesions mainly include local forms of hepatic tuberculosis, with conglomerate tubercles, tuberculomas (macronodular tuberculosis), and nodular tuberculous pseudotumors. Hepatobiliary tuberculosis can also involve the biliary tract proper, with ulcerating and granulomatous cholangitis resulting in significant strictures. The infection also causes distinct vascular changes, such as granulomatous vasculitis and tuberculous pylephlebitis. A second mycobacterial infection that may involve the liver is leprosy, causing granulomatous hepatitis and the formation of so-called lepromas.