Tuberculous brainstem abscess: case report

Tuberculous brainstem abscess is a clinically rare condition with potentially high mortality and morbidity. We present this report to draw attention to the importance of early recognition and adequate treatment of tuberculous brainstem abscess.

A 24-year-old man complained of longstanding fever, headache, and weakness followed by development of progressive slurred speech and hemiparesis of the right extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large thick-walled cystic lesion lying within the brainstem.

The patient demonstrated a remarkable clinical recovery after microsurgery combined with a course of antituberculous therapy. Microbiological and histological findings confirmed the diagnosis of a tuberculous abscess.

Despite its rarity, the tuberculous brainstem abscess must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic brainstem mass lesions in vulnerable patients. When confronted with progressing neurological deterioration and poor response to antituberculous therapy, stereotactic or microsurgical management should be considered. Microsurgical excision combined with a complete course of antituberculous therapy in our patient led to a good outcome.