Hepatic granuloma-A diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Hepatic granulomas can have various causes and their detection requires a systematic diagnostic evaluation. First, identification of risk factors for granulomatous diseases and the exclusion of extrahepatic organ manifestation are necessary. Laboratory investigations and serological screening for the most common underlying diseases of liver granulomas in Germany, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), sarcoidosis and infectious causes (primarily tuberculosis and hepatitisC infections), are recommended. A liver biopsy is essential for confirming the diagnosis, whereby a minilaparoscopically guided tissue sampling offers many advantages, such as the macroscopic detection of granulomas on the liver surface, on the peritoneum or on the spleen. Whether the detection of hepatic granulomas results in atherapeutic consequence, depends decisively on the underlying primary disease. If hepatic granulomas are present without concomitant liver parenchymal damage or other manifestations that would make treatment necessary, awatch and wait approach under close clinical and laboratory monitoring is sufficient. If liver values increase or in cases of hepatic parenchymal damage, urgent treatment of the underlying disease is indicated.