Primary cerebellar tuberculoma in Arnold-Chiari malformation mimicking posterior cranial fossa tumor: the first report

Tubercular cerebellitis, identified through an expansive process: A case report

Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis is a postprimary form of tuberculosis with high mortality and morbidity rates, even with early diagnosis and treatment. Focal tuberculous cerebritis is extremely rare, typically occurring in patients without AIDS, and often associated with tuberculous meningitis. In endemic regions, it should be a primary consideration when encountering cerebral anomalies suggestive of granulomatous conditions. Its meningeal pseudo-tumor form poses a significant diagnostic challenge. We present the case of a 26-year-old man who arrived at the emergency room with cerebellar and pyramidal syndrome. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an expansive lesion in the right hemicerebellum with glove-finger edema and leptomeningeal thickening. Given the MRI findings and associated lung involvement, the diagnosis of tuberculosis was strongly suggested in our epidemiological context. Due to contraindications for lumbar puncture, high surgical risk, and strong clinical and radiological suspicion, antituberculous treatment was initiated in collaboration with neurologists and infectious disease specialists. The clinical and radiologic manifestations of CNS tuberculosis can mimic other infectious and noninfectious neurological conditions, as seen in our patient. Thus, familiarity with the imaging presentations of CNS tuberculosis among infectious disease specialists and radiologists is crucial for prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Persistent hydrocephalus following posterior fossa tuberculoma removal in pediatrics: A case report from a referral center in Indonesia

INTRODUCTION

The threat posed by tuberculosis persists in developing countries. Individuals under the age of five were more likely to develop central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis. CNS Tuberculoma of the posterior fossa has rarely been reported, and its consequences are more devastating due to the limited space of the posterior fossa.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 4-year old male was referred to our academic general hospital with main complaint of decreased consciousness for the last 3 days. The patient has experienced a low-grade fever, cough, and an enlarging neck tumor for two months. Any contact with confirmed tuberculosis patients was denied by the family. A suspected cerebellar abscess and obstructive hydrocephalus led to the patient's referral. Urgent evacuation of the posterior fossa mass was conducted, revealing a histopathological diagnosis of tuberculoma. After the procedure, the patient experienced seizures and no improvement of GCS. A head CT scan evaluation revealed a communicating hydrocephalus. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is done, resulting in improvement of the patient's consciousness after CSF diversion.

DISCUSSION

The haematogenous spread of Mycobacterium, which causes granulomatous foci in the brain, is the cause of CNS tuberculoma. The neuroradiological characteristic of tuberculomas may mimic several conditions. Thorough history-taking and physical examination may lead to a focused differential diagnosis of the patient. Evacuated posterior fossa tuberculoma usually leads to resolved obstructing hydrocephalus. A persistent hydrocephalus leads to the possibility of communicating hydrocephalus due to tuberculous meningoencephalitis. Close monitoring following excision of posterior fossa tuberculoma may help identify persistent hydrocephalus early on.

CONCLUSION

CNS tuberculoma should remain a differential diagnosis of ring-enhancing posterior fossa mass, especially in pediatrics. This condition may present concomitantly with tuberculous meningoencephalitis, and it may be presented as a persistent hydrocephalus following the surgical removal of the lesion.

Giant Tuberculomas of Brain: Rare Neoplastic Mimic

Objective

Tuberculosis continues to be a major infectious disease in developing parts of the world. Primarily central nervous system tuberculosis manifests as meningitis, tuberculoma, or a brain abscess; however, rarely it may manifest as a large neoplastic mass such as lesion known as giant tuberculoma. Especially in central parts of India, the incidence of giant tuberculoma is quite high in pediatric population that too in posterior fossa of brain. Often, they are wrongly reported as neoplastic masses on imaging. The objective of this study was to evaluate different imaging appearances of a giant tuberculoma.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, all cases of giant tuberculoma presenting to a large tertiary care center in central India for 2 years (duration 2016-2018) were imaged and followed up. A total of nine patients, six females and three males, aged 4-16 years were studied on a 3-Tesla Siemens magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner.

Results

In total, nine patients were included with 11 giant tuberculomas. Of 11, eight were infratentorial and three were supratentorial in location. On T2-weighted image sequence, these lesions showed central hypointensity with a peripheral hyperintense rim. Most observed finding on T1-weighted image sequence was central isointensity with peripheral hyperintense rim. Advanced imaging sequences such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetization transfer were also applied.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of giant tuberculoma in the pediatric population reported so far in any part of the world. We have described the various MRI imaging findings of this lesion in great details. Management of such rare cases and pertinent literature is reviewed briefly.