Punch Liver Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Miliary Tuberculosis

Abstract

SINCE it is often difficult to substantiate a suspected diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis, an additional practical diagnostic procedure would be of value. As it is well known that miliary tubercles are scattered throughout the liver in this disease,^{1 2 3} histologic study of a specimen of liver tissue would be of unquestioned value in confirming a clinical impression. In recent years punch liver biopsy has been established as a simple, practical and safe method of obtaining a specimen of liver tissue satisfactory for microscopical study and causes very little discomfort to the patient.^{4 5 6 7 8} Liver biopsy is not generally recognized as a method . . .