Liver transplantation: an unheralded probable risk for tuberculosis

Abstract

We present a patient who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and died of previously undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). TB is known to complicate liver transplantation in rare circumstances. Liver transplantation is an unheralded risk factor for development of TB because of possible activation of latent infection or primary TB in immunosuppressed hosts. A tuberculin skin test should always be performed preoperatively. Preventive treatment with isoniazid is indicated when immunosuppressive therapy is started in patients with high TB risk. Radiographic signs of previous granulomatous disease may be important when tuberculin skin test is negative, unknown or anergy is present. TB is preventable--with a high degree of suspicion where TB is endemic and proactive programs, most TB cases in transplant recipients can be avoided.