4. Conclusion and results (outcome and follow-up)
Despite 72 hours of antibiotic therapy, there was no improvement in
clinical condition so according to the laboratory findings and medical
records, a thoracic CT scan was performed for further evaluation of the
ascites etiology, which revealed bilateral pleural effusion,
atelectasis, pulmonary parenchymal consolidations, and sub-plural patchy
consolidation (figure 5). Abdominopelvic ultrasonography was normal.
With the possible diagnosis of tuberculosis, anti-mycobacterial therapy
with isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol was prescribed
and the patient received these drugs for 6 months until the treatment
course completion. Eventually, the patient’s clinical manifestations
completely disappeared and the chest CT scan became normal after the
treatment.