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Multiple intracranial tubercular abscesses in a child

M Narang1, S Gomber, L Upreti

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India. manish_2710@yahoo.com

Kathmandu University Medical Journal (KUMJ)
|January 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculosis can cause multiple brain abscesses in children, presenting as prolonged fever and neurological symptoms. Early consideration of this rare cause is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Intracranial abscesses are serious infections requiring prompt diagnosis.
  • Tuberculosis is a common infectious disease globally, but intracranial tuberculosis is less frequent.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old girl presented with persistent fever and cough for 4 months.
  • Neurological examination indicated right-sided hemiplegia.
  • Brain imaging revealed multiple hypodense, ring-enhancing lesions.

Findings:

  • Aspiration of the intracranial abscess yielded pus positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis via polymerase chain reaction.
  • This case highlights a rare presentation of tuberculosis in a pediatric patient.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with prolonged fever and multiple intracranial abscesses.
  • Early identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is vital for appropriate management and improved outcomes in pediatric neurotuberculosis.

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