Granulomatous hepatitis caused by Q fever: a differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin (FUO) includes infectious, neoplastic, rheumatic-inflammatory and miscellaneous diseases. We report the case of a 35-year-old man with FUO caused by Q fever. A liver biopsy showed the characteristic fibrin-ring lipogranulomas compatible with Q fever. The serologic tests confirmed the diagnosis of acute infection by Coxiella burnetii. The therapeutic response was excellent. In conclusion, we described a patient with acute Q fever and granulomatous hepatitis.

Keywords

• Liver
• Granulomatous diseases
• Coxiella burnetii
• Histopathology