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World J Radiol. May 28, 2012; 4(5): 236-240
Published online May 28, 2012. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v4.i5.236
Published online May 28, 2012. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v4.i5.236
Reactivation of tuberculosis in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: A report of 3 cases
Yun Jeung Kim, Pyung Gohn Goh, Hee Seok Moon, Eaum Seok Lee, Seok Hyun Kim, Byung Seok Lee, Heon Young Lee, Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Nam National University Hospital, 640 Daesa-Dong, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 301-721, South Korea
Author contributions: Kim YJ wrote the manuscript; Goh PG, Moon HS, Lee ES and Kim SH advised on intellectual content; Lee BS and Lee HY critically reviewed the work.
Correspondence to: Byung Seok Lee, MD, Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Nam National University Hospital, 640 Daesa-Dong, Jung-Gu, Daejeon 301-721, South Korea. gie001@cnuh.co.kr
Telephone: +82-42-2807163 Fax: +82-42-2575753
Received: August 27, 2011
Revised: December 12, 2011
Accepted: December 19, 2011
Published online: May 28, 2012
Revised: December 12, 2011
Accepted: December 19, 2011
Published online: May 28, 2012
Abstract
Pulmonary tuberculosis is an opportunistic infection that can be reactivated in immunocompromised conditions, for example, in malignancy or after liver transplantation. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality rate because it is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Although surgical resection is the established curative measure for HCC, it is only feasible for early-stage HCC. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most common treatment modality for patients with unresectable HCC. However, repeated TACE sessions and, occasionally, the tumor itself can further impair the reserve hepatic function and immunity. We report 3 recent cases of HCC with reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis after TACE.
Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Reactivation, Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, Tuberculosis