Calvarial Tuberculosis: A Diagnostic Quandary: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Primary calvarial tuberculosis is exceptionally rare in adults, particularly those without disseminated disease.
• Osteomyelitis of the skull is frequently misdiagnosed as other conditions like syphilis or bony metastasis.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old male presented with headache and right frontal swelling, with no prior history of tuberculosis.
• Surgical excision and histopathological examination revealed tubercular pathology of the calvaria.

Findings:

• Histopathology confirmed tuberculosis as the cause of skull osteomyelitis.
• Acid-fast bacilli in pus and biopsy material are crucial for diagnosis.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and treatment of primary calvarial tuberculosis are essential to prevent misdiagnosis.
• Increased clinical suspicion and appropriate diagnostic methods are vital for managing this rare condition.