Brain Tuberculoma Research Articles

Study of Clinical Spectrum of Neurological Manifestations in HIV/AIDS Seen at Tertiary Referral Hospital in India

Objectives: The pandemic caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the fastest growing health problems in the world today. Neurological manifestations of HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are being seen in a frequency that is parallel to the increasing number of new cases seen the world over. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 36.7 million people in the world are infected with HIV. Neurological manifestations of HIV disease can be seen in 20% of outpatients in HIV clinics and almost half of HIV patients being treated as in-patients. Of the various subtypes of HIV, subtype C is responsible for more than 50% of HIV1 infections causing rapidly growing epidemics in India. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) To evaluate the prevalence of neurological manifestation in HIV-positive patients admitted to a tertiary referral Hospital in India. (2) To describe the neurological manifestations documented. (3) To find the possible predictors of neurological manifestations. Material and Methods: This study was a single centre prospective cross-sectional study in which out of 200 HIV/AIDS patients, 40 patients with neurological manifestations were analysed over a period of 18 months. They were interviewed and evaluated with particular reference to neurological manifestations, and were classified using the WHO staging system. Results: Amongst the studied population of 40 patients, 16 patients (40%) manifested as tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with or without brain tuberculomas, followed by seven patients (18%) presented with peripheral neuropathy and six patients (15%) presented with central nervous system (CNS) vasculitic or multi-infarct state. Cryptococcal meningitis was seen in five patients (12%), efavirenz-induced psychosis/seizure seen in one patient, while HIV-induced polymyositis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, acute inflammatory demylinating polyradiculoneuropathy, AIDS dementia complex and CNS toxoplasmosis were seen in one patient each respectively. One patient presented with dual opportunistic infection with coexistence of cryptococcal and tuberculous meningitis. Conclusion: Headache with or without vomiting, seizures and altered sensorium were the most common neurological symptoms. Fundus abnormalities, meningeal signs, gait abnormalities, cranial nerve dysfunction and hemiplegia were the most common neurological signs. New-onset headache was a significant predictor of the occurrence of neurological complications. Opportunistic infections such as TBM and Cryptococcal meningitis were most commonly observed.

Mass Spectrometry Identifies Taenia solium Proteins in Sera of Patients With and Without Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a major cause of global acquired epilepsy, results from Taenia solium larval brain infection. T. solium adult worms release large numbers of infective eggs into the environment contributing to high levels of exposure in endemic areas. This study identifies T. solium proteins in the sera of individuals with and without NCC using mass spectrometry to examine exposure in endemic regions. Forty-seven patients (18-51 years), 24 parenchymal NCC (pNCC), 8 epilepsy of unknown aetiology, 7 glioma, 8 brain tuberculoma, and 7 healthy volunteers were studied. Trypsin digested sera were subject to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and spectra of 375-1700 m/z matched against T. solium WormBase ParaSite database with MaxQuant software to identify T. solium proteins. Three hundred and nineteen T. solium proteins were identified in 87.5% of pNCC and 56.6% of non-NCC subjects. Three hundred and four proteins were exclusive to pNCC sera, seven to non-NCC sera and eight in both. Ten percent, exhibiting immune-modulatory properties, originated from the oncosphere and cyst vesicular fluid. In conclusion, in endemic regions, T. solium proteins are detected in sera of individuals with and without pNCC. The immunomodulatory nature of these proteins may influence susceptibility and course of infection.

Diagnostic Value of Combined-Diagnostic Methods of Brain Tuberculoma Tissue Specimens: A Case Series.

Background: The diagnosis of brain tuberculoma (BT) is sometimes challenging. Herein, we presented a case series to evaluate the combined-diagnostic methods, including acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stain, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Gene Xpert, and histopathology, of tuberculoma tissue specimens (TTSs). Patients and Methods: A total of 16 patients (11 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-positive, 5 HIV-negative) with BT confirmed by combined-diagnostic methods of TTS were included in this study. Clinical data, including clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, neuroimaging features, histopathology, treatment, and prognosis, were assessed in all patients. Results: There were 10 male and 6 female patients (range, 18-73 years). Acid-fast bacilli stain and PCR of TTSs were positive in 11 and 10 patients, respectively. The sensitivity of Gene Xpert of TTSs was (80.0%; 8/10). Nine (56.3%; 9/16) patients were diagnosed with BT by histopathology. After receiving antituberculosis treatment, 12 (75.0%; 12/16) patients improved clinically to a considerable extent. Conclusions: The combined-diagnostic methods of TTS may improve the diagnostic efficiency of BT.

Clinical and Radiological End Points to Stop Anti-Tubercular Treatment in Central Nervous System Tuberculoma and Predictors of Poor Outcome: A Retrospective Study.

The clinical and radiological end points to stop anti-tubercular treatment in central nervous system (CNS) tuberculoma are not known. This retrospective study was done to determine end points to stop anti-tubercular treatment and find the predictors of poor outcome in patients with CNS tuberculoma. Patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of brain/spine tuberculoma between January 2015 and December 2019 and who completed a minimum of 1-year follow-up were enrolled. Clinical and radiological end points to stop anti-tubercular treatment and predictors of death and poor outcome (modified Rankin scale > 2) were analyzed. One hundred and eight patients (male-to-female ratio, 47 [43.5%]:61 [56.5%]; brain tuberculoma, 102; spinal cord tuberculoma, 14; brain and spinal cord tuberculoma, 8) were included in the study. Median duration of anti-tubercular treatment was 24 months. Radiological resolution of tuberculoma (resolution of gadolinium-enhancing lesion, gliosis, calcification, cord atrophy, or syrinx formation) and radiological halt (no increase in size/number of tuberculoma on magnetic resonance imaging scans done 6 months apart) were used as end points to stop anti-tubercular treatment in 69 and 7 patients, respectively. Seven patients stopped their treatment by themselves, and 25 patients died. Altered sensorium, motor weakness, infarcts, hydrocephalus, and constitutional symptoms of tuberculous meningitis were predictors of poor outcome or death in CNS tuberculoma patients. Radiological resolution or radiological halt of brain/spinal cord tuberculoma was a reasonable end point to stop anti-tubercular treatment. However, this may require 24 months or more of anti-tubercular treatment. Associated tuberculous meningitis and its complications portend a poor prognosis.

Brain tuberculoma: a 52-year-old woman case report

Introduction. One of the most serious extrapulmonary type of tuberculosis that affects people under the age of 40 is brain tuberculoma. They are space-occupying masses of granulomatous tissue that result from hematogenous spread from a distant focus of tuberculous infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Symptoms and radiologic features being nonspecific usually leads to misdiagnosis and mimics a variety of other infectious diseases. Anti-tubercular drugs are essential for the successful treatment of cerebral tuberculomas. Case Report. The authors present a case report of a 52-year-old diabetic woman, who presented to the Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital and was diagnosed with brain tuberculomas with a brain biopsy. Brain tuberculomas are rare and could be overlooked. Therefore, this is an important consideration in cases with higher suspicions, given the rapid decline in patient condition. Conclusion. Due to their rarity, ambiguous symptoms, and radiographic characteristics, intracranial tuberculomas continue to provide a clinical challenge and must always be considered in the differential diagnosis of cerebral space occupying lesions. As CSF may not yield positivity for both CBNAAT and smear examination, a brain biopsy specimen for culture should always be kept in mind for detecting tuberculoma and initiating anti-tubercular treatment at the earliest.

Basal ganglia tuberculoma mimicking a brain tumor: Minimally invasive resection using tubular retractor system

ObjectiveTo report an uncommon case of a patient with an isolated deep-seated brain tuberculoma. MethodsCase illustration and discussion on the pathogenesis and current clinical and surgical management of this condition. ResultsGross total resection was achieved through a left frontal craniotomy and a trans-sulcal approach using a tubular retractor system for access. The patient presented with an isolated brain lesion without any primary foci in the lung parenchyma or any other organ. Antifimic treatment began as soon as the diagnosis was confirmed by PCR. ConclusionsTB continues to be a public health burden in developing countries and is still considered among the most lethal infectious diseases in the world. The main objective of minimally invasive surgery of deep-seated lesions is to reduce damage caused by prolonged brain retraction required to access these lesions. Tubular retractors could be advantageous for tumor resection in deep regions.

Tuberculoma - a great mimicker: can diffusion tensor imaging and tractography help?

Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculomas often mimic tumors on conventional imaging, differentiation of which may not be possible without invasive tissue sampling. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), owing to its unrivalled property of characterizing molecular diffusion, may help in better lesion characterization and tractography may help understand the pattern of white matter involvement by tuberculomas. To estimate qualitative and quantitative diffusion tensor changes in brain tuberculomas and to evaluate patterns of white matter involvement using 3D tractography. Thirty patients with brain tuberculomas were evaluated on a 3-T magnetic resonance scanner. Diffusion tensor images were acquired along 20 non-colinear encoding directions with two b-values (b = 0, b = 1000). Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on quantitative fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in the center of the tuberculoma and perilesional area. Similar ROIs were placed in contralateral hemispheres for comparison. Tractography maps were also generated. Mean FA in the center and perilesional area of tuberculomas were 0.098 ± 0.041 and 0.311 ± 0.135, respectively. ADC values in corresponding regions were 0.920 ± 0.272 ×10-3 mm2/s and 1.157 ± 0.277 ×10-3 mm2/s. These values were significantly different compared to contralateral similar brain parenchyma. Tractography revealed interruption of white fibers in the center with deviation of fibers at the periphery in the majority of tuberculomas with none showing infiltration of white matter described in tumors. Significant qualitative as well as quantitative DTI changes were seen in tuberculoma and perilesional areas compared to contralateral hemisphere with tractography showing a pattern different from that described in tumors. These findings may help to differentiate tuberculomas from infiltrating tumors.

Diagnostic and Neurological Overview of Brain Tuberculomas: A Review of Literature.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). It is estimated by World Health Organization (WHO) that nearly a quarter of the world’s population is infected. Tuberculoma of the brain is one of the most severe extrapulmonary forms that affects patients younger than 40 years of age. Brain parenchymal tuberculoma develops in nearly one of 300 non-treated cases of pulmonary tuberculosis cases. In endemic regions, tuberculomas account for as many as 50% of all intracranial masses. Tuberculoma results in a hematogenous spread of M. tb from an extracranial source. Tuberculomas can mimic a variety of diseases and can present themselves in a subacute or chronic course, from asymptomatic to severe intracranial hypertension. Diagnosis is based on computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies with a similar ring-enhancing lesion. Treatment is primarily medical, and the duration for brain tuberculoma can vary from six to 36 months. In certain cases, surgery is recommended.

Re-Print: An Interesting Case of Disseminated Tuberculoma of Brain and Spinal Cord Type of Study: Case Report

Tuberculosis is an important public problem worldwide from 19th century. Manifestations of tuberculosis widely classified as pulmonary and extra pulmonary manifestations. Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis is a serious condition where patients most often present with seizure. Tuberculoma is one of the CNS manifestations of tuberculosis. The imaging feature of tuberculoma is ring enhancing lesions. Tuberculoma should be differentiated from other diseases with ring enhancing lesions like neurocysticercosis, coccidiomycosis, toxoplasmosis and malignancies.

DISSEMINATED TB IN A PREGNANT PATIENT

TOPIC: Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Disease TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: In the United States, most cases occur in foreign-born individuals immigrating from countries with high rates of endemic TB [1]. Aggressive dissemination of tuberculosis related to pregnancy is rarely reported in the literature; the incidence of TB in pregnancy ranges between 1 and 2% [2, 3]. We report a pregnant patient with the dissemination of tuberculosis who developed CNS symptoms and was found to have numerous brain tuberculomas. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old F P1001 25+5wga, HIV-negative Haitian woman, presented with a non-productive cough and right lower quadrant pain. Patient-reported recent travel to Haiti and history of positive quantiferon test noted during the prenatal period with subsequent negative chest x-ray screening.Initially, during the admission, she started to have low-grade fevers and was saturating 96% on room air. Labs were significant for elevated LFTs and ALK-PHOS. Initial chest x-ray showed bilateral infiltrates. A follow-up chest-CT demonstrated diffuse reticulonodular pattern bilaterally with no lymphadenopathy. There was a concern for multi-systemic sarcoidosis. ACE and 1,25-(OH)2 Vitamin D levels were elevated.The hospital course was complicated by new-onset lethargy and the development of late fetal decelerations, resulting in an emergent caesarian section. Pulse dose steroids were given for presumed multisystemic sarcoidosis.Three days post-delivery, the patient endorsed persistent headaches. An acute change in mentation was noted on the neurological exam, raising concern for a CNS infection. CT head revealed non-obstructive hydrocephalus and hypodensities in the bilateral parietal regions. Follow-up MRI showed ring-enhancing lesions, along with cerebral vasculitis seen on MRA. The pathology report from the placental tissue showed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and an abundance of acid-fast bacillus. Emergently, the patient was started on treatment for tuberculomas of the brain. DISCUSSION: Meningitis and tuberculoma are the two most common forms of intracranial tuberculosis [4]. CNS TB is uncommon in HIV-negative patients [5]. The pathogenesis of TB of the brain initially starts with a rupture of rich focus into the subarachnoid space, heralding the onset of meningitis. The subsequent development of adhesions results in neurological sequelae [6]. Cerebral imaging is essential to establish the diagnosis of and disclose hydrocephalus, basilar meningeal thickening, and tuberculomas [3]. CONCLUSIONS: Although a multidisciplinary approach was taken, we feel that the administration of pulse dose steroids allowed the reactivation of disseminated TB, ultimately resulting in our patient's demise. REFERENCE #1: Amin S, Stone D, Anderlind C. A 32-Year-Old Woman With Miscarriage, Headache, Hepatitis, and Pulmonary Disease. Chest. 2019 Apr;155(4):e101-e105. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2018.10.001. PMID: 30955580. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Rosa Arancibia, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Felicia Canaday, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Andrew Doodnauth, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Khawaja Omar, source=Web Response

Concurrent central nervous system involvement in immunocompetent adults with pulmonary miliary TB: a prospective analysis.

Wallgren's tuberculosis (TB) timetable demonstrated co-occurrence of miliary TB and tuberculous meningitis in children. To verify the same in immunocompetent adults, we prospectively evaluated the prevalence and spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with pulmonary miliary TB. This was a tertiary care, University hospital-based, prospective evaluation performed from December 2018 to June 2020. Newly diagnosed patients with pulmonary miliary TB were subjected to a detailed clinical, laboratory and MRI-based evaluation. All patients received treatment as per WHO guidelines. Out of 342 patients with pulmonary TB, 53 patients met the eligibility criteria. The median age at presentation was 32 y and approximately two-thirds of patients were female. Clinically, only two-fifths of patients had features of CNS involvement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and imaging abnormalities were noted in 46 patients each. Twelve (23.5%) patients were diagnosed with definite-category tuberculous meningitis. Presence of an infarct significantly correlated with neurological features. Mantoux positivity correlated significantly with the presence of choroid tubercles, CSF changes and brain tuberculomas. This is the first study to endorse Wallgren's observations in immunocompetent adults. A high index of suspicion, even in asymptomatic patients, may uncover tuberculous lesions involving the CNS and guide optimal monitoring of patients.

Monocyte Gene Expression Distinguishes Enhancing Brain Parenchymal Cysticercal Granulomas From Tuberculomas.

BackgroundIn patients with enhancing brain parenchymal lesions, parenchymal neurocysticercosis (pNCC) is often difficult to distinguish from tuberculoma, necessitating biopsy or empirical therapy.MethodsIn a prospective study, peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from patients with definitive pNCC (n = 39) and brain tuberculomas (n = 20). Patients with tuberculomas were diagnosed by the presence of concurrent systemic tuberculosis (n = 7), pathological or bacteriological confirmation (n = 5), and resolution of typical brain lesions following a therapeutic trial of antituberculous therapy (n = 8). Expressions of 14 NCC-associated monocyte genes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and analyzed for diagnostic usefulness between the 2 groups.ResultsExpression of 7 genes (TAX1BP1, RAP1A, PLCG2, TOR3A, GBP1P1, LRRFIP2, and FEZ2) was significantly higher in pNCC patients than in tuberculoma patients, with TAX1BP1 and RAP1A expressions more than 22- and 5-fold higher in pNCC patients. TAX1BP1 had the highest sensitivity of 66.7% at a specificity of 100% in discriminating pNCC from tuberculoma. A combination of TAX1BP1 and RAP1A increased the sensitivity to 84.6%, and including GBP1P1 with TAX1BP1 and RAP1A further increased sensitivity to 87.2% while maintaining specificity of 100%.ConclusionsExpression of a panel of genes in blood monocytes distinguishes pNCC from brain tuberculomas in patients with enhancing brain lesions.

RARE PRESENTATION OF EXTRA PULMONARY TB AS MULTIPLE INTRA CRANIAL TUBERCULOMAS- A CASE REPORT

TB of CNS is an uncommon yet highly devastating manifestation of TB. It has a hematogenous spread manifesting as meningitis, cerebritis,TB abscess, Tuberculomas and spinal arachnoiditis. We are reporting a case of 26yr old female person presented with short duration of headache, vomiting, neck pain and altered sensorium .Examination revealed left eye Ptosis and right sided classical hemiplegia . Investigations revealed multiple intracranial tuberculomas in MRI brain and feautures suggestive of miliary TB on CTchest . Multiple tuberculomas are rare presentation of intracranial TB and prognosis is poor in patients with multiple tuberculomas . But in our case clinical improvement is observed with Anti Tubercular Therapy

Brain tuberculoma in a Colombian indigenous child

Despite global efforts to eradicate tuberculosis (TB), 10 million new cases are reported each year. Indigenous communities are at greater risk of developing TB. We report a 7-year-old indigenous boy who presented with neurological symptoms. An intracranial neoplasm was suspected based on imaging findings and he underwent neurosurgical resection. The final diagnosis was intracranial tuberculoma. Anti-TB therapy was administered and the patient recovered completely.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Is the Common Cause of New-Onset Seizures in the Peripartum Period: A Tertiary Hospital-Based Study in South India.

Background and PurposeTo study the aetiolgic spectrum of new-onset seizures in the peripartum period in south India.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of case records of women with new-onset seizures in the peripartum period admitted between 2005 and 2018 (13 years).ResultsOf the 41 women (mean age, 26.20 years; range, 19–35 years) admitted, 20 patients (48.7%) had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Generalized tonic-clonic seizure (88%) was the common seizure type. The aetiologies of new-onset seizures were: 1) pregnancy-related aetiologies in 33 (80.5%) and 2) non-pregnancy-related aetiologies in eight (19.5%). Of the pregnancy-related aetiologies, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was the commonest cause in 24 patients (58.5%). Seizure cluster presentation was common in patients with PRES (p=0.0087). Of the eight women with non-pregnancy-related aetiologies, endemic central nervous system (CNS) infections accounted for three (7.3%; brain tuberculoma in one and neurocystocercosis in two) of the aetiology. All the women had Glasgow outcome scale-5 outcome.ConclusionsPRES was the common cause of new-onset seizures in peripartum period in this cohort. Endemic infections of CNS accounted for 7.3% of the total aetiological spectrum. This study suggests that the possibility of PRES should be considerd in woman with HDP and seizure cluster in peripartum period.

Miliary brain tuberculomas concomitant with conus medullaris tuberculoma. Case report

Miliary brain tuberculomas concomitant with conus medullaris tuberculoma. Case report

Post contrast T2 -FLAIR sequence - can it be a predictor of disease activity in tuberculomas of brain – findings from a preliminary study

Post contrast T2 -FLAIR sequence - can it be a predictor of disease activity in tuberculomas of brain – findings from a preliminary study

Sequential 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) scan findings in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis during the course of treatment—a prospective observational study

Initial studies of tuberculosis (TB) in macaques and humans using 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) imaging as a research tool suggest its usefulness in localising disease sites and as a clinical biomarker. Sequential serial scans in patients with extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) could inform on the value of PET-CT for monitoring response to treatment and defining cure. HIV-negative adults with EPTB from eight sites across six countries had three 18F-FDG PET/CT scans: (i) within 2weeks of enrolment, (ii) at 2months into TB treatment and (iii) at end of ATT treatment. Scanning was performed according to the EANM guidelines. 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed 60 ± 10min after intravenous injection of 2.5-5.0MBq/kg of 18F-FDG. One hundred and forty-seven patients with EPTB underwent 3 sequential scans. A progressive reduction over time of both the number of active sites and the uptake level (SUVmax) at these sites was seen. At the end of WHO recommended treatment, 53/147 (36.0%) patients had negative PET/CT scans, and 94/147 (63.9%) patients remained PET/CT positive, of which 12 patients had developed MDR TB. One died of brain tuberculoma. Current 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging technology cannot be used clinically as a biomarker of treatment response, cure or for decision-making on when to stop EPTB treatment. PET/CT remains a research tool for TB and further development of PET/CT is required using new Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific radiopharmaceuticals targeting high-density surface epitopes, gene targets or metabolic pathways.

Starry sky appearance of tuberculoma

CNS tuberculosis accounts for only 10% of all cases of tuberculosis, carries a high mortality and morbidity. Tuberculoma of the brain is an important clinical entity. The main challenge in the management of brain tuberculoma is its diagnosis. Hereby, referring case of a 12 years old male child who presented with clinical picture of tuberculosis but radiologically NCC, hence posing a diagnostic dilemma as clinically it was in the favor of tuberculosis whereas radiologically inclination was towards neurocysticercosis. Based on clinical manifestations it was suggestive of meningitis, CSF picture was suggestive of hypoglycorrhachia. CT chest showed miliary pattern and neuroimaging showing multiple ring enhancing lesions. High index of clinical suspicion is required to make a diagnosis and evaluation with reports.

Brain Tuberculoma as a Differential Diagnosis of Single Intracranial Lesion: Case Report

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) of the central nervous system (CNS) is considered one of the most severe forms of presentation of the disease. Although only 1% of TB cases involve the CNS, these cases represent around between 5 and 15% of extrapulmonary forms.1 2 Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most frequent form of CNS TB. The granulomas formed in the cerebral tuberculoma may cause hydrocephalus and other symptoms indicative of a CNS mass lesion. In the absence of active TB or TBM, the symptoms may be interpreted as indicative of tumors.3 4 The prognosis is directly related to the early diagnosis and proper treatment installation.5 We report the case of a patient with intracranial hypertension syndrome, expansive mass in the parieto-occipital region, accompanied by a lesion in the rib, initially thought to be a metastatic lesion, although posteriorly diagnosed as a cerebral tuberculoma.