INCIDENCE OF FATTY LIVER IN TUBERCULOSIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TUBERCULOUS ENTERITIS

Abstract

Fatty infiltration of the liver is a familiar feature of numerous diseases and has been recognized for many years as frequently seen post mortem in persons with tuberculosis. Curiously, the subject has received little attention, even though the development of hepatomegaly in tuberculous patients often presents diagnostic difficulties. At autopsy the demonstration of a huge fatty liver is always impressive and frequently not anticipated. In the past such changes in the livers of tuberculous patients have been attributed to toxemia and anoxemia. Recently attention has been drawn to the development of fatty liver in a variety of conditions characterized by disordered metabolism. Numerous experimental studies have established this relationship and have served to heighten interest in its clinical application. The subject of fatty liver in tuberculous patients, accordingly, assumes new significance from the viewpoint of both therapy and pathogenesis. The present study was stimulated by the observation of a group