[Calvarial tuberculosis: two case reports]

Tuberculosis is an endemic public health problem in developing countries and can be a source of diagnostic problems, particularly in the case of rare locations such as calvaria. The purpose of this report was to discuss the epidemiologic, pathogenic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of this disorder. We report two cases of cranial vault tuberculosis. The first occurred in a 17-year-old male who presented with a lingering scalp infection lasting six months with a right frontal-temporal fistula. Clinical examination did not reveal abnormalities. The CT scan showed a right frontal extradural empyema with osteitis of the frontal bone. The empyema and infected bone were removed, which was followed by antibacillar drug treatment. The second case was a 2-year-old boy who presented with right frontal swelling with purulent fistula. The CT scan showed a lytic lesion of the frontal bone. Improvement was noted after removal of the lesion and antibacillar chemotherapy. Calvaria is a rare location of tuberculosis. It is frequently revealed by chronic infection of the scalp and cranial vault. Antibacillar chemotherapy is the basis of treatment.