Evaluation of Hepatosplenomegaly and Liver Function Tests in 102 Brucellosis Cases

Introduction: Brucellosis is a systemic infection which in volves many organs including liver. In this study, it was aimed to review the hepatosplenic findings in allcases followed up in our clinic with the diagnosis of brucellosis. Materials and Methods: Allcases, we followed up in our clinic between July 2006 and October 2014 with the diagnosis of brucellosis, were reviewed retrospectively. Cases with microbiological culture confirmation and/or Wright agglutination test positivity with a titer of 1/160 or higher were considered brucellosis. Results: There were a total of 102 cases meeting the inclusion criteria (43 female (42.2%), 59 male (57.8%), aged 47.1 +/- 16). Eighty-two (80.3%) patients had a titer of 1/160 or more Wright agglutination test positivity. Three patients had negative Wright agglutination test but had anti-humanglobulin test positivity. Seventeen (16.7%) patients were diagnosed with only blood culture. The most common three symptoms were fever (63.7%), weakness (48%) and back pain (48%). Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were determined with ultrasonography in 16 (15.8%) and 19 (18.8%) cases, respectively. About 23.8%, 24.8%, 26.8%, 36.6%, and 12.9% of the patients had elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and total bilirubin, respectively. Forty-two (41.2%) patients had no remarkable pathology in the liver. Mean age of the cases without a remarkable liver pathology was 51.1 +/- 14.9; whereas, mean age of the rest of the cases was 44.3 +/- 16.3 (p= 0.035). Liver function tests improved in all cases with treatment. There was no severe adverse drug reaction during treatment. Conclusion: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that primarily affects the reticuloendothelial system, and may cause liver damage. Its response to treatment is high. However, there was no pathology in ultrasonography in majority of the cases. In a brucellosis endemic country such as Turkey, it must be kept in mind that the disease may present without significant liver involvement.