Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Intracranial tuberculoma is a rare complication of extrapulmonary tuberculosis due to hematogenous spread to subpial and subependymal regions. Intracranial tuberculoma can occur with or without meningitis. Methods: A 3-year-old male who recently emigrated from Sudan presented to the emergency department with right-sided seizures lasting 30 minutes which were aborted with levetiracetam and midazolam. CT head revealed a multilobulated left supratentorial mass, with solid and cystic components measuring 8.0 x 4.8 x 6.5 cm. The patient had successful surgical resection of the mass which was positive for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. He was started on rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and fluoroquinolone and discharged home in stable condition. Results: Literature review on pediatric intracranial tuberculoma was performed which included 48 studies (n=49). The mean age was 8.8 ± 5.4 years with slight female predilection (59%). Predominant solitary tuberculomas (63%) were preferentially managed with both surgical resection and antitubercular therapy (ATT) compared to multifocal tuberculomas that were preferentially managed with ATT. Conclusions: Intracranial tuberculoma is a rare but treatable cause of space-occupying lesions in children. Clinicians should maintain high-level of suspicion in patients from endemic regions and involve infectious disease service early in patient’s care.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call