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Tuberculous temporal brain abscess mimicking otogenic pyogenic abscess
D Muzumdar1, S Balasubramaniam, S Melkundi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. dmuzumdar@hotmail.com
Pediatric Neurosurgery
|June 13, 2009
Summary
A rare tuberculous temporal lobe abscess in a child initially mimicked a bacterial infection. Prompt antitubercular treatment led to complete resolution, highlighting the importance of considering tuberculosis in brain abscess diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Central nervous system tuberculosis is uncommon.
- Tuberculous brain abscess is a rare manifestation.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old female with chronic otitis media presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.
- Radiological imaging suggested a pyogenic temporal lobe abscess.
- Initial surgical intervention and antibiotics were ineffective.
Findings:
- PCR testing of abscess exudate confirmed tubercular bacilli.
- Antitubercular treatment resulted in clinical and radiological improvement.
- Complete abscess resolution was observed at 2-year follow-up.
Implications:
- Tuberculous temporal lobe abscess should be considered in pediatric patients with otogenic abscesses.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antitubercular therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- This case highlights a unique presentation in the pediatric population.
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