Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
687
Primary Calvarial Tuberculosis: a report of three cases
Subramanya G S Datta1, Vidhu Bhatnagar2, Somnath Pan3
1a Department of Neurosurgery , INHS Asvini , Mumbai , India.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|December 5, 2017
Summary
Calvarial tuberculosis, a rare mycobacterial infection, is increasingly reported, particularly in developing nations. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing severe neurological complications in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Calvarial tuberculosis (tuberculosis of the skull bone) is an exceptionally rare manifestation of mycobacterial infection, accounting for approximately 0.01% of all cases.
- Despite its rarity, there is a perceived increase in the incidence of calvarial tuberculosis, especially in developing countries, necessitating greater awareness.
Observation:
- This report details three distinct cases of calvarial tuberculosis successfully treated at our institution.
- Notably, all cases presented as de novo infections in young, healthy individuals from favorable socioeconomic backgrounds, with no prior history or known contact with tuberculosis patients.
Findings:
- The successful management of these cases underscores the feasibility of effective treatment even in unusual presentations of tuberculosis.
- The occurrence in seemingly low-risk individuals highlights the importance of considering calvarial tuberculosis beyond typical risk factors.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for calvarial tuberculosis in relevant clinical scenarios, irrespective of traditional risk factors.
- Prompt initiation of appropriate anti-tuberculosis therapy is essential to avert potentially devastating neurological sequelae and improve patient outcomes.

