Letchuman V, Guillotte AR, Lundy PA, Dharia A, Lakis NS, Camarata PJ. Intracranial tuberculoma: a rare complication of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Illustrative case.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY: CASE LESSONS 2022;
4:CASE2291. [PMID:
35855351 PMCID:
PMC9257396 DOI:
10.3171/case2291]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Intracranial tuberculomas are rare entities commonly seen only in low- to middle-income countries where tuberculosis remains endemic. Furthermore, following adequate treatment, the development of intracranial spread is uncommon in the absence of immunosuppression.
OBSERVATIONS
A 22-year-old man with no history of immunosuppression presented with new-onset seizures in the setting of miliary tuberculosis status post 9 months of antitubercular therapy. Following a 2-month period of remission, he presented with new-onset tonic-clonic seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated interval development of a mass concerning for an intracranial tuberculoma. After resection, pathological analysis of the mass revealed caseating granulomas within the multinodular lesion, consistent with intracranial tuberculoma. The patient was discharged after the reinitiation of antitubercular medications along with a steroid taper.
LESSONS
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this case represents the first instance of intracranial tuberculoma occurring after the initial resolution of a systemic tuberculosis infection. The importance of retaining a high level of suspicion when evaluating these patients for seizure etiology is crucial because symptoms are rapidly responsive to resection of intracranial tuberculoma masses. Furthermore, it is imperative for surgeons to recognize the isolation steps necessary when managing these patients within the operating theater and inpatient settings.
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