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.