Cerebellar tuberculoma in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis infection of the Central Nervous System is the major cause of death and morbidity in developing countries. The clinical manifestations and radiological findings in tuberculoma are nonspecific. This article reports a rare case of cerebellar tuberculoma with the manifestation related to an intracranial mass and without the typical clinical symptoms of Tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient. Case Report: A 20-year-old female with seizure, headache, and vertigo. A mass in the posterior fossa was revealed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Thorax scan results showed the Tuberculosis process. The patient then underwent surgery. Histopathological examination displayed chronic granulomatous inflammation and the presence of Acid-Fast Bacilli. The patient received anti-tuberculous drug treatment for one year and anti-seizure medication. Discussion: Cerebellar tuberculoma can resemble an intracranial tumor or cranial abscess. Diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological manifestations, and histopathological analysis. Surgical intervention still has a role in the treatment of this disease. The finding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on histopathological examination is the gold standard in diagnosing Tuberculosis. Conclusions: Although it is rare, the involvement of Tuberculosis in the CNS should be taken into account in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients with neurological symptoms who are living in an endemic area.