Calvarial tuberculosis: A report of eleven patients

Tuberculosis is endemic in developing countries. However, calvarial tuberculosis is rare, even in areas where tuberculosis is endemic. In the literature, only few case series of calvarial tuberculosis have been reported.

To report a case series of 11 patients with calvarial tuberculosis, and discuss their presentation and management.

This study is a retrospective analysis of case records of 11 patients with calvarial tuberculosis treated between 2001 and 2005 in a tertiary hospital. Clinical features, radiological findings, surgical and medical management, and outcomes were reviewed.

Of the 11 patients, seven were male and the age ranged between 1 and 25 years (mean 15.09 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 2.9 months (range 1-5 months). The most common presenting features were scalp swelling, discharging sinus, and pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan of brain showed punched out bony defect, with a peripherally enhancing extradural collection in most of the cases. Ten patients underwent surgical excision of necrotic bone and granulation tissue with primary closure of the scalp flap and antituberculous therapy. One patient is being managed with antituberculous therapy only. Of the 10 patients treated surgically and with antituberculous therapy, nine recovered well and one died of tuberculous meningitis and hydrocephalus. The patient being treated with antituberculous therapy is under follow-up.

A high index of suspicion and knowledge is required for early diagnosis of calvarial tuberculosis. Surgery and antituberculous therapy remains the mainstay of treatment.