Central nervous system tuberculoma

The aim of this study was to outline the clinicoradiological features of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculoma, and highlight the importance of early treatment. We conducted a retrospective analysis between 1999 and 2008. Clinicoradiological, pathological and follow-up data of 23 patients were reviewed and analysed. The mean age at presentation was 30.3 years (range=17-43 years), and the average disease duration at presentation was six months (range=1-19 months). The tuberculoma location in the cohort was: thoracic region (10 patients); cervical region (six), cervicothoracic region (three); thoracolumbar region (one); and intracranial (six); three patients (13%) had multiple lesions. Nineteen (82.6%) and 15 (65.2%) patients had sensory-motor and bowel/bladder involvement, respectively. Two patients presented with headache and consciousness disturbance, and two patients had a history of pulmonary Koch's disease. Five patients had a history of tuberculous meningoencephalitis, and one patient had a history of enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Twenty-one patients underwent surgery, and two received conservative treatment; all patients received anti-tuberculosis therapy for 18 months. Seventeen of the 21 surgical patients and both conservatively managed patients achieved improved neurological function (with Karnofsky Performance Scale scores of 90-100). Patients presenting at an advanced disease stage had a poorer outcome. CNS tuberculoma is a benign condition with a good prognosis and effective therapy options. Enhanced brain and spine MRI should be performed to ensure the diagnosis is not missed. Early surgical decompression is recommended for intramedullary tuberculoma. Craniotomy is indicated for patients with intracranial hypertension, while more conservative therapy is appropriate for patients who have intracranial tuberculomas without intracranial hypertension.