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Calvarial tuberculosis
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. gnpddks.md@mail.uovs.ac.za
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|November 13, 2004
Summary
Tuberculosis of the skull is a rare condition. This report details two pediatric cases with skull lesions, orbital swelling, and scalp ulcers, alongside vertebral and lung tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Skeletal tuberculosis
- Craniofacial imaging
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health concern.
- Skull tuberculosis is an exceptionally rare manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
- Diagnosis often relies on a combination of clinical presentation and imaging.
Observation:
- Two children presented with distinct clinical signs of cranial tuberculosis.
- Case 1: Orbital and scalp swellings with lytic skull lesions on X-ray.
- Case 2: Chronic discharging scalp ulcers and lytic skull lesions.
Findings:
- Both patients exhibited lytic skull lesions, indicating direct bone involvement.
- Vertebral and lung tuberculosis were concurrently diagnosed in both cases, suggesting disseminated disease.
- The clinical presentations, though different, were consistent with cranial TB.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses like skull TB in children with suggestive symptoms.
- Emphasizes the utility of imaging in identifying osseous TB.
- Underscores the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of disseminated TB to prevent severe complications.